Feeling The Tug

I remember a year or so ago sitting in a service at my home church, Valley Creek, listening to the pastor speak on the trials he went through before realizing God was trying to get his attention. At the time, I thought Wow, I hope that never happens to me. But lately I've been feeling that same tug that Pastor John described.

In the past six months, we've had more doctor visits, ER visits, emergency dental visits and family trials and tribulations than I'd ever expected. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I started feeling down on things that I realized maybe this was God's way of getting my attention. I don't think God necessarily punishes people who aren't pursuing him — there are lots of non-Christians who live healthy lives — but I do think He will do whatever it takes to draw you closer to Him. And as tough as the past six months have been, I'm actually thankful for a God that doesn't let me be complacent when I get lazy.

So I started thinking about where I've been slacking. Yes, I am a Christian. But am I constantly in the Word? Not at all. It has never been easy for me to just sit down and read the Bible. I know that sounds awful, but it's the truth. So I took my butt to the closest Christian book store and found a daily devotional that I can use to help me read my Bible and to understand what I'm reading.

I'm not under the impression that once I open up my Bible everything will become peachy keen in my life. Nor am I saying I haven't been overly blessed the past six months as well. But I do think that even if things stay the way they've been, at least I will have a place to go when I'm feeling down or afraid. There is no better place to seek comfort and understanding than your Bible.