Hidden in His Quiver …Illustration & Chronicle © 2004 by Glenda Wilson

Isa 49:2 And He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand, has He hid me and made me a polished arrow; in His quiver, has He kept me close and concealed me. AMP

One day a friend and I were talking about being able to speak in front of large groups. I told her that there was a time when I would stumble over my words and had great difficulty speaking in front of people as well. I began to give her the scriptures from my arsenal regarding the ability to speak. When you have trouble, difficulty or challenges –put the word on “it”. Regardless of what “it” is, the Word is above it. In a posture of worship, David reminded God that He had exalted His Word above His name. Rightly so, for in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Then the Word became flesh and dwelled among us. His Word reflects His character and all that He is. I had better stop there or this will take us in another direction entirely.

Let’s return to the conversation with my friend. I began giving her the scriptures that helped me –telling her that one of my favorites was Isa 49: 2. She remarked that she thought that it would make an incredible piece of art.

I pondered the thought for a while and dismissed the concept of focusing on the polished arrow or sharp sword. When trying to illustrate spiritual concepts they of necessity must be abstract and done in some way that we as mere man can try to grasp. I did not have the scripture in front of me as I began it, but obviously, it was in my heart. I had forgotten that the scripture had said, “In the shadow of His hand, in His quiver has He concealed me”.

I could feel the influence of the Hebrew meaning for arrow, which is children, or sons and daughters…especially “ben, bane” is son (as a builder of the family name). Jesus was the firstborn of many brethren.

As it progressed, I was moved to add the “Lion and Lamb” to depict the extremes of the many characteristics and facets of Jesus. Suddenly, within the shadow portion of the Lion’s ear, I began to see the profile of what appeared to be a Native American Warrior. At that point, I added a white horse, which tied into the Native American influence and represents Jesus return on a white horse.

At times like these, I begin to remember, it is not me but Christ in me that is really creating the art. Now I must tell you that when I saw it I was amazed for several reasons. I thought that it was intriguing that the Native American appearing in the piece tied so into the flow with the bow, quiver, and arrows. Secondly, in 2002, a woman told me she saw me ministering to the Native Americans. Now, I may never physically go into that ministry arena, but the art that He creates through me can go anywhere. To think that by His Hand and Heart, His thoughts toward the Native Americans were manifested within the piece. Thirdly, the Lion is indeed the Warrior personality of Jesus – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

Shortly after the piece was complete, we attended a New Year’s Eve service where the “Word” that came forth was that it was time for us to come to know Jesus as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah”. Wow!! God you are so awesome.

With heaven backing Him, He has indeed hidden you in the shadow of His hand. Yes, in his quiver He has concealed you for such a time when He would stretch forth His bow and shoot you as a polished arrow into the destiny He has planned for you since before the foundations of the world. His timing is perfect; He knows the end from the beginning. The earth groans for the manifestation of the Sons and Daughters of God. If it is not yet your time, rest …hidden and protected while He makes your mouth like a sharp sword that it may speak the wonders of the Mighty, Powerful and One True God.