After I memorized Ephesians, I just hung out there for a while. The truth was I didn't think I had the capacity to put anything else in there... my mind that is. I wasn't trusting God and I was acting like it was my strength I needed. After Christmas, when things started to "slow down" a bit, I started thinking about memorizing again. In the midst of my consideration, we had the miscarriage. In his abundant kindness, God made clear my need of him. I was laid low and desperate for God to be near to me. I began praying about what he would have me memorize next. The following days were filled with Romans references and a decision was made. Romans.
Are you serious!
16 chapters!
433 verses!
Wow, Lord, you are serious about stretching me!
This time, I gave my self a much tighter deadline. With Ephesians, I figured out how long it would take - and then added a month! It was a good thing too, because I finished right on schedule! I am committed to finishing Romans by August 1st. I also decided to have a weekly goal rather than a daily one. I am aiming for 18 verse per week (rather than 3 verses/day, 6 days/week). It comes out the same, but I am doing longer portions at a time and taking more days "off". On most off days, I am still reciting the previous day's verses 10 times and then reciting the whole thing, from beginning to end. Yesterday was an "off" day, so I recited 6:19-23 10 times, then 1:1 through 6:23 once.
I am continually amazed at God's kindness in this process. I have found my study of his word to be fruitful in ways I could not have imagined. I am filling my mind with HIS words, rather than my own. I am able to identify where many songs, sermons, sayings, etc. come from in Scripture. I can immediately support (in my mind or verbally) many statements that I hear others make. I find myself listening and reading more actively; measuring words of men against words of God. I have found my faith greatly strengthened. My trust in the Lord has increased. My love of him has increased. My love of his word has deepened and I now see it has vital to my life. These things are happening by the work of his Spirit!
I believe that anyone - yes, anyone - can memorize long portions of Scripture. Why? Because God has told us in his word to hide his word in our hearts. He has provided a Helper to help us accomplish it. It is HIS work when we do it!
Thank you, merciful Father, for giving us your word. By your Spirit, implant it in our hearts.
so encouraging for me to read today Jami! "Because God has told us in his word to hide his word in our hearts. He has provided a Helper to help us accomplish it. It is HIS work when we do it!"
ReplyDeleteAmen! I'll keep you posted with Galatians :)