Hitting The Mark

             If you had never shot a bow, and I were to reach you one and ask you to shoot at that black circle in the center of a target, how close could you reasonably expect to come hitting it? I would think it highly unlikely, that you would even come close. Archery like most things takes time and practice to acquire a high level of skill or expertise. For one thing, archery requires developing a specific set of muscles, and those are built during practice.

            When people finally decide to live for God, they face a similar situation. God’s word clearly defines the target we should aim for in his commandments and other teachings. But as new Christians and sometimes, even the more seasoned ones, we must understand that hitting the bulls-eye every time, may be an unreal expectation! Failing to recognize this truth often leads people towards disappointment or sometimes becoming disillusioned with themselves. They soon begin doubting their convictions and ability to live up to and meet God’s standards.

            We need to understand that God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we are capable of, and is fully aware of our strengths and shortcomings. And he doesn’t expect perfection, any more than you would expect someone to be an expert marksman right out of the gait. All he asks from us is a willing heart and sincere desire to follow his teachings. He wants each of us, to give it our all and have a full understanding, that without his guiding hand, we don’t stand a chance of success.  We also need to acknowledge that there has never been, nor will there ever be, a perfect person, except for Jesus Christ himself.   

            So don’t beat yourselves up so badly. You stumbled, so what? You don’t fall unless you’re trying to walk! And just like the archer, before we can expect too much, we must first build [faith  muscles],  through practice. You must become skilled in the use of God’s Armor. The Apostle Paul compares young Christians to babies having to start on milk before they can handle meat (Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-2) And as for those of you who are more seasoned veterans, remember this. Even a master marksman would miss his mark if someone were to bump his arm while shooting. Don’t think for a minute, that the Devil is afraid of you or is not going to bother you any longer. If he sees you are aiming to do good, he will swoop in and try to knock you off your feet.  

            There used to be a toy called a Weeble and in their commercial, they had a jingle that went, “Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down.” There also is an old phrase that says, “If at first, you don’t succeed try, try again,” As Christians, we are not immune to troubles and trials, and in no way, are we too good to suffer or experience failure. But we do have many advantages over non-believers. First and foremost, we have God’s promise that he will not forsake or leave us, and he will remain faithfully by our side and help us through, no matter what we must face. We also have his guidance. When we seek his will, he promises to direct our path. And to those who love and trust in the Lord, he offers 24/7 customer service, like no other. You can call on him anytime, from anywhere, and there truly is no issue too small or problem too big for him.

            The next time you find yourself missing the mark, {and you will}, and you’re confused about which way to go or you’ve let Satan sneak in and get you down with his discouraging lies. Just STOP! Remember where you’ve come from, where you are going, and who is taking you there, and remember, anytime you are lost the right direction to follow is always up. Look to Heaven for your answers and you will find them!