Sharp Like… What???

I have often found myself running, running, running to catch a plane.  Sometimes, a train. Cramming so much into my day that I can’t help but be late.

Today, I was on time… and felt like I was running to catch a missile!

I was in a room with people I have come to consider Giants in the faith.  Not famous people.  Just ordinary people who are extraordinarily gifted.  Gifted and called by You, Lord, to advance Your Kingdom.

We were there to help each other.

“I am the Vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”  (John 15:5)

I was “blown away” by the breadth and depth of the wisdom You, Lord, poured into our midst through all who were present. Your Presence in the room was so “thick” I felt I could almost touch You.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  (Proverbs 27:17)

What does that really mean, Lord?

In ancient days, the Israelites acquired Philistine technology for making iron swords.  They used iron hammers to pound out the swords, flattening the edges like sheet metal.  They used iron files and iron-ore stones to create a razor edge and to rub and “lift” that edge.

So the sword didn’t “lose its edge.”

Was that what we were doing today, Lord?  “Pounding” each other with the “iron hammers” of tough truth and loving accountability?  Spoken in love to help us grow stronger?  In our faith?  In our trust in (and dependence on) You?  

Sharpening each others’ thoughts and words?  Helping each other “keep our edge,” so we will all make the most of whatever remains of our one-and-only life?

What needs to be cut away, Lord, in order for Your Kingdom to come on Earth?

How are You calling and positioning each of us to help?  As axes?  Steak knives?  Scalpels?  Scissors?  Razors?

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”  (Hebrews 3:13)

Oh, Lord… It is a testimony of Your Amazing Grace that I would be sitting at such a table today!  Hearing words that stretched me way beyond my comfort zone and abilities.   Then, by Your Spirit, imparting words that did the same for others!

We have another day together tomorrow.  I don’t want to let go of this “missile,” Lord! I can’t possibly keep up if I let go!

Besides, I can see this missile’s trajectory — heavenly heights unlike any I have ever seen.   I want to see the view from the top!

“One thing I do:  forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:13-14)

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:26)

Taking a breather between “blows” of blessing,

Abba’s Girl

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