Iron Sharpens Iron

 

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

 

You would think that after twelve years of serious Bible study I would know it by now. It doesn’t seem to matter how much I do know, there’s more there than I can absorb in a lifetime.

A few years ago I asked a class to share a bit about what they were taking away from their study of Genesis. An older woman who had studied Genesis several time before stood, waved her Bible in the air and said, “I want to know who keeps changing my Bible!” “Uh oh,” I thought. But I was relieved when she went on to say, “Every time I study this book there’s something new in it that I never saw before.” Her point was well made. The lessons change as our circumstances change.

This week I am involved in a situation that has given me a couple of sleepless nights. I wasn’t up worrying about it so much as I was trying to understand how I was supposed to handle it. I have pored over God’s Word looking for direction. It is an emotional issue that will require a certain amount of humility, mercy, and love from me. These are traits that I have to “put on” according to Paul. Sadly, they are not my natural bent.

Often when we get in these situations we need another Christian, one who is steeped in God’s word, to help us discern His path. In God’s mercy He provided two for me yesterday. One of them is in this battle with me and humility, mercy, and love are her natural bent and the other a prayer warrior sister who just listened and prayed for me (also more merciful and loving than I). She is totally unrelated and separate from the problem.

Both of these women sharpened me. They have an understanding of God’s Word that I respect and know that they will speak to me in truth. They are trustworthy. They have been discreet in the past so I know I can trust them not to talk about this issue all over town.

Proverbs 27:17 teaches that iron sharpens iron. When I turn to women like the two who helped me yesterday I know I will hear what God’s Word says from them. God Himself can use them to encourage me in the way I should go according to Him. If I turn to someone who does not know, or maybe even care, about what God says about my situation I could be headed for some bad advice. I will be dulled instead of sharpened!

In Hebrews 10:24-25 God tells us that we should continue to meet with other believers and stir one another up. These verses say, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

My sisters spurred me on to love and good works. It’s not over but I have peace today. I slept well last night. I knew who to go to because we have been together in the body of Christ. They have shown up and I have seen their faith and their knowledge of God’s Word.

After turning to the Lord I want to turn to someone else who can advise me according to His word.

Iron sharpens iron.