My new method of Scripture reading forces me to slow down, which is not something I am gifted at. It is helping me to really understand the Bible in a new way. If only a temporary solution to train my mind to focus better, it is a good thing for me to do right now.
Yesterday as I was reading, I was having trouble really getting into the first ten verses and I began wondering if my method was faulty somehow. But by the time I got to the later part of the chapter, the base God had revealed to me made the second half become so much more alive! It’s also very helpful to be able to review my key notes from previous readings and see where my mind has developed in only a week.
So what am I learning? Well, Sunday at a church in New York I heard a young missionary say that she was learning to do what she could and let God do the rest. Like her, I am an over-achiever who thinks that if I’m not accomplishing something I just need to try harder–even if I’ve already pounded my head against the wall a few dozen times. This comes in real handy sometimes and at other times can become destructive as I focus on my strength and not so much on God’s. So my new reminder to myself is to do everything I can in His strength, but then rest and let God work. What beautiful grace we have to live that way!
