I’ve been operating on even thinner margins than usual. Because, of course, I’m so very, very important.
This morning I realized I’m now four days behind in my plan to read through the Bible in a year. And that has all happened, I think, in the last two weeks.
Which means I’m actually really, really foolish.
My Paul’s disability never goes away, and never will. It isn’t part of a ‘season of life’ that I just need to grit my teeth and get through. That is also true of my marriage, my work, my parenting of the other children, my volunteering and everything else.
So when I let circumstances start to interfere with things that are really good for me, interest me, feed me and help me – like my time in the Word, I’m really saying that word isn’t so important after all.
So, I’m going to be impudent and ask God to help me as many times as I need help staying tethered to his word (which is always) because Jesus said we should ask for what we need:
And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:5-10
And I need God’s word.
The Works of God 
Amazingly I have recently been convicted about the same exact thing. The authority of the Word over my life, my dreams, my passions, my calling, my family, my ministry (as if to assume it is even mine to possess?!). It is really humbling to come under authority; however it is of absolute necessity if we are to see any fruit in our Christian life as well as in the lives of others. The Word holds a standard that is unmovable, impossible to argue with and always omniscient of our deepest motives, no matter how embarrassing. Thank God for the Word. Without it we would simply be social activists without a cause, defending the rights of the suffering without even realizing why.
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It is so good to have brothers and sisters in my life who jolt me out of my downward spirals. I experienced a similar grace last night. May God answer our prayers.
John, when I first read this post I thought it was excellent. When I finished reading it, I deleted it like I do so many other emails and blog posts.
But as I’ve thought about it for a couple of days, I felt I needed to leave you a comment commending your transparency and your willingness to humbly show your us your (our) human nature.
On February 24th I was five days ahead on my Bible reading plan. On March 1st I was one day behind. Your post gave me the hope I needed to push through my manic schedule and re-prioritize (yet again). I’m back on schedule, and back to being tethered to God’s Word.
Thank you, John.