I’ve been thinking about my faith journey lately–about the people, choices and habits that have led me to where I am today. I can see how God placed people in my life along the way to influence my faith, but there has been one step of obedience I’ve done that has led to the most profound growth in my faith, and it all started with a simple invitation from a friend.
I’ll get to that in a bit, but first, here’s a bit of my story.
My Sporadic Faith
I’ve been a believer for my entire life. I was saved at a young age, mostly due to the encouragement and teaching of my Grandma Doris. Both sets of my grandparents had incredible faith and loved to take us to church with them. I will always be grateful for their influence on my faith, as well as a few other key individuals.
We went to church sporadically when I was growing up, and I continued that practice when I went to college. I knew I was a Christian, and for me as an adult, that looked like attending church and faith conferences, listening to Christian music, participating in Bible studies and reading devotionals–all occasionally. I also continued to do my own thing (which led to many mistakes), regardless of what God’s will was.
For years, I knew God was asking me to read the Bible, and I put it off. I didn’t have time. I was already reading devotionals or Bible studies and attending church fairly regularly by this point. I was doing MY faith, MY way. Wasn’t that enough to be a good Christian? Let me tell you, it was not.
The Turning Point
But then three years ago, one of my dearest friends casually invited me to read the Bible on a 90-day plan she was following. She had six children and this would be her second round through this plan. My excuse of “not enough time” began to sound a little hollow. I didn’t think I could finish on such an aggressive reading plan, but decided I would read it in six months instead.
And then I did. It was my first time to read through the entire Bible as an adult–at the tender age of 39. 🙂 At my friend’s encouragement, I finally obeyed what God had been asking of me for years. I was confused in many sections, especially in the Old Testament, but found myself wanting to learn more.
Later that year, I heard a podcast where Jamie Ivey interviewed Tara-Leigh Cobble (episode 220 of The Happy Hour). Tara-Leigh was about to begin releasing The Bible Recap, a short daily podcast that explained the Bible reading for each day of a 365-day chronological Bible reading plan.
I was intrigued, so I invited a few family members along with me and we jumped in. Reading together held us accountable and we cheered each other on, all of us in awe of the new things we were learning.
The story of the Bible made much more sense when I read the storyline chronologically. Tara-Leigh Cobble’s short explanations of the each day’s chapters helped me understand more of what I read, and each day she encouraged us to look for our own “God shot.” Through my daily reading practice, I found Tara-Leigh’s claim, “He is where the joy is,” to be completely accurate.
A Deeper Faith
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalms 19:7-8 NIV
This is my third year in a row to read through the Bible, and the second year to read along with The Bible Recap. I still have so much to learn, but the foundation of my Biblical understanding is being built and I am so excited to keep learning more.
The consistent time I’ve spent reading the word has been the single most profound step I’ve taken to deepen my faith and change my life.
I most often read my Bible in the morning, and I look forward to it each day. This habit has helped my prayer life and my communication with God. It has helped me seek him more, has humbled me and made me to want to encourage others in their faith. My faith has become more active as a result of this daily practice.
So, I encourage you to begin reading the Bible consistently. If God has been tugging on your heart to read his word, listen and obey. I spent too long not listening, resulting in years of a shallow faith for me.
If you are already reading his word daily, who can you invite to join you in reading? You might just change their life, just like my friend did for me.
On October 1, The Bible Recap reading plan will begin the New Testament and finish up by year-end. It will take about 20 minutes a day for three months. It’s the perfect time to jump in to the plan and invite a friend along with you.
Even if you fall behind, perhaps you will still be reading more consistently than you were before.
Perhaps God will bless you for your obedience.
Perhaps your faith will grow.
Perhaps your life will be forever changed.
May it be so.
Lord, we thank you for your word which guides and directs us. It truly is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. Thank you for wanting us to draw near. Please increase our desire to know you more. Help us to make our time with you a priority and let our hearts be changed as we seek you through your word. Amen.
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