“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We’ve all been there. The snooze button seemingly calling out, ”Push me! Go back to bed!” Netflix knowing exactly what to put on their home page so that we won’t even think about doing anything else. But the treadmill, the gym, or the fitness class awaits. And the beauty of this is if … if we can make the decision to focus on our physical health, we will benefit, no matter what.
Because exercise works, even if it’s the last thing you want to be doing. Even if your coach is making you do it. Even if you think it’s not working. Running, lifting weights, pilates, whatever it is — no matter what you’re thinking or feeling as you enter into it — will benefit your body. Period.
God’s Word is the same. No matter how we enter into the reading of His Word – whether or not we want to, whether or not we feel like it’s being helpful — we can have the confidence that God’s Word is doing what God says only it can. Because it does work. It is the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13, among other references). It is true (Proverbs 30:5). It imparts understanding (Psalm 119:130). It helps us fight sin (Psalm 119:11). And it is eternal (Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:25).
It works because it is the very wisdom and truth of God, from God. It works because it is not reliant on us, our feelings or our circumstances. We can be confident in its power not because of us, but despite us. Just like we may not be able to see the day-to-day physical improvements our exercise brings, but can look back and see the change that has taken place over weeks, months and years, we too are often unable to see the day-to-day workings of God. But we are gifted the opportunity to look back and see God’s Word working in us through every season, every trial and every success.
Let these truths draw us to His Word — even when those other things are calling, even when our heart isn’t into it — knowing that these promises are good and true and real because God is good and true and real. His Word is a gift to His people for our benefit and His glory.
— Chris Kelty
If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.
