I love to study the Word, and God has always been faithful to meet me whenever I open it. He speaks to me through it, and it gives me practical, applicable wisdom for every circumstance I find myself in. It’s a trusted line of communication between me and God. It never fails.
What I’ve come to ponder on this morning is this:
Is it possible that other people experience God this way through other means?
Worship… Prayer… Nature… etc.
In all of these things, His Word included, He can be experienced and His heart can be revealed. We can draw nearer to the Father by doing any of these. But, are there ‘Primary’ and ‘Secondary’ means of experiencing God? Might study present itself to someone as, although edifying, seemingly harder as it relates to fellowship with God? Could others find in worship what I find in studying – and what I find in worship they find in studying? Namely, an experience and certainly a worthy discipline, yet prioritized somehow less than, or lower than, worship?
In the same manner, might a person who is hungry be satisfied with anything edible, and still yet prefer a specific food? Of course you can be filled by oatmeal and still have have a more enjoyable experience being filled with pizza. So, in a way, studying scripture is my spiritual pizza – but I shouldn’t expect that everyone else would (or should) feel the same way. Nor should I neglect and refuse to eat anything that isn’t pizza…
All that to say, I’ve spent a lot of time being frustrated by those who don’t like studying scripture as much as I do. I did that as a team leader on the World Race and recently I’ve discovered – I’ve been doing it in my marriage, too.
I’ve spent so much time frustrated that my wife doesn’t get pumped up about waking up early to study that I honestly have no idea what her favorite “food” is. I don’t know how she most desires to meet with God. All this time trying to force her to experience God the way I do and all she’s really ever needed is for me to meet her where she is. For me to experience God the way SHE does.
So this morning I am challenging myself, and challenging you, to break loose the frustrations we have with those around us. To break off the burden of trying to lift everyone up to “your level” … and instead – go meet someone where they are.
Take a break from your pizza and go eat some oatmeal with someone who really loves it.
