I slowed to a stop and turned on my flashers about 50 yards ahead of the turn into one of the busiest gas stations on the highway. Rylan was sitting there waiting for me. He had been on his way to work when the alternator went out on his car, and he needed me to pick him up and help tow the car back to the house.
Let me say that there are several things wrong with this picture. First, it was quitting time here in Alabama so all 8,000 cars in our area were in the same area at the same time. Second, it’s a blind hill where he had stopped so I couldn’t quite see over the little hump to be able to know if I could turn around without enjoying a potential T-Bone dinner. Third, I do not like to tow vehicles. Oh, and fourth…I don’t really have a proper vehicle to tow.
HOWEVER, once I arrived, I sucked it up and we drove the long way back home. If you were one of the several cars that got stuck behind us as we moseyed back at about 35 mph in the 55 mph zone, may I give a heartfelt apology! While I may have been able to go a little faster, I was confident that slow and steady would win this race.
Paul talks about running the race in the bible. He speaks at length to only looking what is before us and forgetting what lies behind. He said “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of god in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:14.
He lovingly tells the Corinthians that he doesn’t just go crazy trying to get done. Rather, he’s patient and steadfast.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” –I Corinthians 9:24-27
When we are studying scripture or when we are growing in the knowledge of the Lord, it’s not about how fast we can read or how quickly we can get through the bible. It’s about learning at the pace that allows you to mature and grow deeper in your faith. It’s one thing to know what a piece of scripture says or where a story is at. It’s another to know what that scripture is about, what its context is, and how it can point us back to our Father!
While reading the bible through in a year is great, (and I really do believe it is), there is power in recognizing that you need to go back and read parts again. And again….to sit in the scripture and ask God what’s He’s revealing about Himself in the passage. It’s ok if the year-long bible plan takes you 1 ½ years. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending more than one week on a bible study lesson because you find it rich with information. Remember, the goal is just to keep moving forward. When we are learning and developing in those lessons, we are always moving in the right direction. Like Paul, we don’t want to have the aimless task or the thoughtless race. This marathon we are on in our relationship with Him should be one that is the most meaningful journeys of which we will ever partake!
I pray that we can be encouraged that slow and steady maturing will bring a beautiful and meaningful relationship with our Creator! Happy studying!
~Erin
Iron Porch 