When she arrived to lead her Bible study group, I watched my leader catch her breath. Something about high blood pressure. Pause for a deep breath. She continues… “I’m on a different computer today, after dropping mine on the floor this morning.” Okay, by now I sense this will not be an ordinary study. Two flaming arrows hit their bullseye. And then, a third arrow hits its target.

“Well,” she takes another deep breath. “My blood pressure is stable now, but I need to get offline and ask you to lead. Can you cover for me tonight?” After she sees me nod and hears a confident “Yes,” she continues her story.

Gasping for air and watching her blood pressure cuff, she explains, “I just found out someone charged $8,000 on my credit card. My husband, financial advisor, and the store representative are meeting on a group call. And so, I need to be there too. Pray for me.”

Three action words. Everyone bows their head for immediate prayer and our beloved leader exits the group. What comfort she finds in sharing with friends! Knowing her small group is gathered in prayer, while she confronts a personal Goliath. Giving grace an opportunity to appear. Finding strength when she feels weak. Or breathless.

It seems flaming arrows will find us during spiritual moments. Just before we lead a Bible study group. Or coming home after attending a writers’ conference. Drawing closer to Jesus.  Exhausting, yet not defeating.

My friend resolved her bill after the store admitted a billing error. It should have been a $28 charge, and they never sent her a bill. Resolved. Paid in full. Her computer was not damaged. Her blood pressure returned to normal. Her debt was erased. Goliath was defeated with a small group prayer.

BIBLE STUDY

“See prayer time as your battleground, where wars are lost or won.” -Kellie Balarie, Battle Ready Bible Study 

TODAY’S VERSE

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (Psalm 91:5-7 NIV)

LIVING FOR TODAY 

I am living for today when I pause and do not fear. When flaming arrows find their target, I comfort myself with prayer. Arrows might fly beside me today, but they will not destroy me as I put my trust in Jesus and pray.

©2023 Christine Abraham Devotions

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.