The Power of the Word
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17(NLT)
I lingered over the above verses during my quiet time this past week. I’m sure I’ve read it countless time but this time the truths laid out just stayed with me. To me, it is an explanation of why the devil tries so hard to keep us from reading the Word of God. The word of God is powerful and it does so much when we read it and it becomes a part of us.
His Word gives us the wisdom to receive salvation.
It causes us to realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong.
It teaches us to do the right things.
It prepares and equips us to do good work.
The devil uses whatever strategies he can think of to distract us from time in the Word. He tells us we’re too busy today, it won’t matter if we skip this one time. Then one time becomes two and three until quiet time with God is almost nonexistent.
He also tries to cause disillusionment with God’s word. He brings back the promises that you’ve held on to that haven’t come to pass yet and tries to make you feel as if it never will for you. Consequently, what’s the point of continuing to read God’s word and trust Him when He doesn’t keep His word?
The enemy does all of this because he knows the power of the word of God. He doesn’t want us to be knowledgeable about God’s word. He doesn’t want it to become a natural part of our life because he knows that it changes our lives. He knows that when we’re reading and studying the Word it becomes a living, breathing part of us and it convicts us when we’re not living according to God’s word. Also, he realizes it’s not so easy for him to deceive someone who is consistently studying God’s word.
The word of God is powerful and acts like a spiritual vitamin in our lives. It strengthens us and causes us to grow spiritually. However, just as our vitamins in the natural though packed with the potential to help us can’t work if we leave it in a bottle on the shelf so it is with our bibles. It can only help us if we read it.
Dear God, give me an insatiable hunger and an unquenchable thirst for your word. Amen
What are some of your strategies for staying in the Word when you really don’t feel like it?
I love what you said that God’s word is like a spiritual vitamin. I have been guilty not staying in His word. Now, before I do anything else, I just make the time to read God’s word. My day starts better that way.