Laura Ignatowski

When reading the Word, you become aware of its incredible design and depth. Of course it is such an artistic, marvelous masterpiece, because God wrote it. You might read a chapter one day, highlight certain passages, and interpret them in a certain way. On another day, however, you might find yourself interpreting the same passages differently. You might come across other, deeper meanings of the same chapter. You might discover meanings that you did not think of before! The beauty of the Bible: its richness and wisdom is indeed life-changing and life-saving.

We are so blessed to be able to read our Lords‘ Word daily. But there are people who live in countries where Christians are persecuted or where Christianity is illegal. I once heard a story of a young woman who fled from China. She talked about memorizing Bible verses, because if the authorities found out the Bible was being read, trouble would come. In such areas of the world, Bible verses are hidden in tags of clothing to reach those who are not allowed to openly read the Word.  

The lengths to which people go to read the Word, to soak it in, and have the Spirit move their hearts is truly inspiring. It is also saddening at the same time. Saddening, because we all know how important it is to dive into the Word every day. We know the impact it has on our lives and how God speaks to us through it. What these people don’t have, and we take for granted is freedom. Is freedom not a God-given right? These efforts by the persecuted are an inspiration. They remind us to treasure what we have, and not take the accessibility of the Word for granted.

We scroll on our phones, watch videos here and there, as our concentration span decreases dramatically. We need information quick and whenever we want. The Bible? “Oh, I‘ll read it later.” The devil tries to make us think that we‘ve got time. But is that the case? Do we know God‘s plan for our future? And who does the devil think he is, telling us what to do? Obviously, we all know his agenda: spiritual warfare, tribulation, and temptation.

We need to flee this warfare, whenever we possibly can. The Bible is our guidebook. We should not take it for granted. To grow bold in our Faith, we need to read the Word. In a study called “Understanding the Bible Engagement Challenge: The Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4,” Arnold Cole, Ed.D. & Pamela Caudill Ovwigho, Ph.D. found that engaging in Scripture at least 4 times a week had a significant impact on people‘s lives. Among many more positive aspects, the study concluded that Alcoholism drops by 57%, spiritual stagnation drops by 60%, and sharing of the faith increased by 200%.

The Word is a precious gift, not meant as something that restricts us, but as something that expands our freedoms. The law is not there to confine, but to protect. It allows for us to reach our fullest potential in our walk with Jesus Christ. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters who can not just simply open their Bibles whenever they wish. God always provides. He always finds a way to get His children to do Kingdom work. He is always present. As Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

I am faithful that for everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

Now go, read the Word. God is waiting.

Bible verses for you