Oh wait! I know why I shared that -- because it led me to a search that led me to Rosella's site. She is a Believer who is going through treatment for cancer. She shares her faith and her healing journey with readers. And one of her posts gave me an idea I wanted to share hoping someone will use it (More on that after I share with you something about VOM).
As I sat down at the table this morning I opened up the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter VOM faithfully sends out monthly. This month it tells several stories of Believers in other countries risking their lives daily to get Bibles to other Believers. One article says some Believers have been waiting ten years to get a copy! Ten years! They wait so long because they know it is God's actual words to people. They know the Bible is filled with words that will change their lives, their circumstances, their very cell make-up (well, maybe not everyone of them think like that....but you get the idea). Scripture gives them hope in horrific situations.
It isn't just needed by those who face persecution daily.
It isn't just needed by those who may lose their lives today for their faith.
It is needed by all of us. Truly.
It actually hurts to see Believers who struggle so much when I know those struggles would be relieved if they knew the Word better. Knowing the Word and knowing how to use it equips people to be able to withstand everything this life throws at them. Knowing and using the Word rightly protects people's hearts and minds from relentless attacks. And even when they are attacked, Believers who engage the Word in these situations will be able to stay in God's peace and not be rattled (or at least not be rattled for long).
But I know it isn't easy for many Believers to read the Word daily. It is a struggle. Life gets in the way. Busyness and all sorts of stuff tell Believers they will read it later, and later never comes.
So, here's the idea I got from Rosella's site -- something she is doing with her friends: If you have trouble reading the Word get two or three friends together and hold each other accountable to read the Word. Maybe you three can decide to read the same book or whatever....just PLEASE get in the Word. Equip yourself. Don't let the struggles of life overwhelm you and take your peace from you any longer.
Yes, truly knowing the Word and using it will do all this for you.
If you don't know it you can't use it.