Polished Arrows, Jenny Sanders

Polished Arrows is a non-fiction departure from Jenny Sanders’ recent Children’s books Charlie Peach and The Magnificent Moustache and other stories.

Polished Arrows is more than an extended bible study on discipleship, or a manual on how to grow towards spiritual maturity, it is a comprehensive look at various aspects of real life as a believer – for example, past hurts and forgiveness, dealing with regret, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. And, although the author is not self-indulgent in using personal illustrations, the theory is clearly anchored in her own experience.

I found the historical Arrowsmith technology – selection of the wood, smoothing the shaft, and dealing with knots for example fascinating. It serves as a clear and powerful metaphor of God’s purposes for us – to be fashioned as arrows and fired into the world - throughout each of the twelve chapters

At the end of each chapter is a study section where Jenny has listed a few questions to allow for group discussion or individual reflection.

It serves as a clear and powerful metaphor of God’s purposes for us – to be fashioned as arrows and fired into the world

I particularly enjoyed Chapter 4 Abrasive Grace, using Elijah as an example, and Chapter 6 Knotty Issues illustrated via Naaman’s miraculous healing. I am certain that anyone reading Polished Arrows will find several chapters that stand out as personally relevant. One of the strengths of Polished Arrows is that each chapter can be read as a ‘stand-alone’ study but also as part of the overall process of being formed into a polished arrow and fired into the world.

Polished Arrows is thoroughly biblical, quoting extensively from the Old and New Testaments but the language is conversational in style rather than theological and so will appeal to those who love the word of God but are put off by unnecessary use of technical jargon.