(WARNING: long post ahead! But I hope it's a blessing to you!)
I have been diligently reading through the New Testament, although I am 2 days behind! But it has been a really good experience so far. The biggest lesson to me so far is that God STILL SPEAKS to me through His Word. Sometimes I forget that, and I almost dread reading my Bible, thinking I will get nothing out of it. But I want to share 3 things that happened this last week through my Bible reading and my circumstances that reminded me that God is involved in my life.
1. Last Monday I "just happened" to walk in on a night class with our students. I almost never do that (I usually relax in my house at night). The students "happened" to be studying the book of John, and that night they were in Chapter 5. The story was about the man who lay beside the pool of Bethsaida, waiting for a chance to be healed when the waters were stirred. Jesus came by, asked the man if he wanted to get well, and then healed him.
What's so amazing about the story? Well, the man was lying by the pool for about 38 years. I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday. I turned 38. That number is only in the Bible 2 times. I really sensed through the "coincidence" of it all that God was reaching out to me. He knows my age. He can STILL do a new thing in me! He can heal my past, and He can start me on a new course, as He did with the invalid man. Wow!
2. As I was reading in Matthew, I stopped to think a lot about the story of the centurion in Chapter 8. The centurion came to ask Jesus to heal his servant. He knew Jesus didn't have to physically touch or even see the servant in order for him to be healed. He said to Jesus, "But just say the word...". What faith the centurion had! I want to have faith like that, to be able to take Jesus at His word.
Well, at our church we have started a series on listening to the whispers of God. The passage that "happened" to come in the series was this same story of the centurion that I read the day before! When Jesus says the word, I want to believe and obey. God confirmed that desire by allowing me to hear the passage again! Cool!
3. As I read through Mark, I was struck by 5:19, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." Later that night, I had a meeting at my girls' school. We met in a classroom that I have never been in before. During the meeting, as I looked around the room, guess what verse was posted on the wall? Yes. Mark 5:19. I smiled to myself, "God knows I am here. He knew all along that I would come here, and He has confirmed His words to me." Wow, again!
I could go on, but I will save more stories for another time. I have been comforted during my birthday month that God is still alive, that He is interested in my life, and that when I am diligent to listen for His voice, He speaks through His Word and circumstances. He is real to me, and His Word is a comfort to my soul. Thank you, Jesus!