You probably opened this blog because you think I’m crazy and want to hear what outlandish statements I’ll make about the Bible, or you think I’m telling a flat out lie. That’s okay. I was you not so long ago.
Let me let you in on a little secret. Becoming a Christian does not mean the Bible suddenly becomes your favorite book. I do not know a single Christian who picks up the Bible when they find themselves craving riveting literature.
The truth is, for many Christians (if not the majority), reading the Bible is a chore. It’s something they do because it’s expected of them and it’s truly embarrassing when your small group mentions a well-known Bible story and you have to admit you know nothing about it (this happened to me earlier this week).
I don’t think God ever intended for us to dread reading his Word. I would think if he knew in advance that it was just something to cross off our daily to-do list, he would’ve cut some of the complicated, confusing stuff and added a little more action and comedy scenes.
I have been a true follower of Christ for somewhere in the camp of 4-5 years. At that time, I started to make a point of studying my Bible—though, mostly that looked like struggling to make it through a single chapter in the New Testament every day and, if I’m honest, I frequently was quick to forget everything I read. This trend has sadly continued through my years as a Christian, and even through the majority of my World Race.
Last month was the month all of that changed for me.
If you could’ve been a fly on the wall for the majority of my conversations in the last few weeks, you would probably at some point hear me exclaim the same thing:
I LEARNED TO LOVE READING THE BIBLE!
It’s true. South Africa was a game changer, and I’m still figuring out why. We had the best living accommodations of our Race by far, complete with cozy beds, hot showers, a kitchen with an oven (!!!), and a little nook in the living area with a love seat.
It started with discipline, as it always has. Begrudgingly, I set my alarm for 6:30 am, morning after morning when I knew I would be one of the first ones awake. Some mornings I made myself a hot mug of instant “coffee.” I would grab my fuzzy blanket and curl up in that nook with some colorful pens, my Bible, and my teammates Bible (hers is an easier translation to understand—I think this is key.)
Every morning, before I cracked open the pages, I said a quick prayer asking for guidance and wisdom and some basic understanding of what was written—just a, “Dear God, help me get SOMETHING out of this, please.”
It didn’t happen overnight. One morning, part way through the month, I realized I wanted to set my alarm earlier to have more time. I realized I looked forward to getting out of bed to hang out with Jesus and journal. I realized I found interest in reading the different translations, checking cross-references, and underlining the pertinent parts. I realized that reading the Bible was suddenly one of my favorite and most cherished times of the day. I was flabbergasted. This was entirely an entirely new concept to me. Where before I struggled to read one chapter a day, I was now cruising through whole books faster than you can say “Habakkuk.” Guys, as it turns out, the Bible is a page-turner!
If you still don’t believe me, that’s okay. I didn’t believe it until I experienced it. I pray you will experience it too, but give yourself grace—it may take years, and struggling to read or understand the Bible does not make you a bad Christian. Don’t give up on it.
Last month, Jesus transformed my heart to make me love his Word. There’s really no other explanation for it—it certainly wasn’t my own doing. It went from being a chore to something I earnestly desire for my day. I know there will still be seasons in my faith journey where I struggle, but for now I am soaking it up and learning more than I thought possible about God and the love he has for his people.
It may have taken me nearly five years, but finally I can tell you with confidence and a true belief: the Bible is not boring. It doesn’t have to be for you, either. God will always meet us exactly where we’re at. What a gift.
