broken

I mentioned earlier that I was going through a Bible reading plan with some people in my Church. That is why I have not been very active here over the past few months. We completed the Bible last week, so I hope that opens the schedule a bit.

I was talking with my sister about this reading a few weeks ago and she pointed out something that struck me as well. If you believe that the Bible is from God and you read it, it's hard not to be convicted about elements of your life that you would otherwise think are not a big deal.

The theme I got from the reading this time is that the type of person that God wants is one who He can break, then take the pieces and put them together into a manner of His choosing. This theme shows up in the Old Testament through Job, Abraham, Moses, David, and all of the prophets. In the New Testament it shows up in Christ, all of the apostles, and almost everyone Christ talked to (Nicodemus, the rich young ruler, Mary sister of Martha, Martha sister of Mary, etc). The teachings through the Epistles dwell on enduring through and growing in turmoil almost to an annoying level, especially in Hebrews and 1 & 2 Peter but in most of Paul's letters as well.

There are other things that I learned in the reading, and I have to note that my main observation was largely because I came into the reading with the open question of what God really does want from His followers. I wanted to pay attention for what really is living by the Spirit, and this is what I got. Living by the Spirit is allowing God to do whatever to you He wants.

I probably will not do another reading this aggressive for a long while, but there is no denying that God can use Scripture to challenge and change people. I know that He is challenging me. The question is what change will result.