“How to get started reading the Bible”—we’ve all googled it before. No matter how far you’ve come on your faith journey, reading the Bible can be hard! We’re right there with you. We see these Scripture meditations as a way to read Scripture in a digestible way. Let’s start together, one verse at a time!
Waiting On Our Plans
Most of us have a plan for our lives: when we’ll graduate, get married, have kids, travel, retire…the list goes on.
But, more often than not, we find out God doesn’t work on our timeline: Our graduation gets pushed back, we’re not in a relationship, and there are years until we’ll be financially stable enough to travel where we want to, let alone retire.
In these moments, we can get mad at God because nothing’s working out like we thought it would. We don’t understand why.
These feelings are relatable. But instead of focusing on all that hasn’t gone according to plan, we can reminisce on the times God has shown up—not just in our lives, but in the lives of others—to remind us of his faithfulness.
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are in jail. They had every right to complain as they sat there, waiting for God to show up, but instead, they prayed and worshiped.
When we choose to focus on God’s faithfulness, turning feelings of confusion and frustration over to him, it creates purpose and hope even in a dark and scary prison. And it doesn’t only affect us, but it brings light to everyone around us who may be waiting too.
Acts 16:24-25
“24 …he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
Observations from the Text
- God can work anywhere (v. 24)
- God shows up at unexpected times (v. 25)
- Even the worst situations can be used for worship and witnessing to others (v. 25)
Prayers of Response
Almighty God, I’m impatient waiting for ________ and failing to see the work you’re doing within it.
Lord, I desire you to move, but I’ve been struggling to praise you when you aren’t.
Prayer Requests
Jesus, help me to sing songs of praise even as I wait for _________.
Creator, use your power to create change in _________. But while I wait, point me toward your goodness.
Prayers of Readiness
God, give me the patience to wait for what you have planned. Give my desires to you.
Holy Spirit, show me how I can witness to _________ as I wait.
Connecting with God in the ordinary, everyday moments of life can be challenging if you aren’t sure how to start reading the Bible. But Scripture meditations are a great way to get started reading the Bible—click here to see more!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
