Floored

This past week, we have been putting in new flooring and “refurbishing” some old floors. It is hard, back-breaking work. By the end of the day, I am exhausted, my back and knees hurt and I am longing to be done. As we are working to get this done, I am wondering if it is worth it.

At the end of the day, I know when it is finished it will be worth it. All the hours and pain will produce a lovely floor we will be fond of for many years.

In my last post, I wrote about “digging” through the Bible and often when I am digging into Scripture, I find it can be painful as well. As the Apostle Paul put it, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2 Tim 3:16 MSG).

Sometimes the pain I experience when I dig into Scripture is a gentle reminder of Who is in control of ALL things. I have to humbly examine my life and admit my rebellion and mistakes so I can be “put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for” me.

Examining myself is an extremely raw process. My stubbornness to deal with my flaws (aka sins) makes the examination rawer than if I would just admit them in the first place.

Despite me being me, I am hopeful. God has chosen not to give up on me even though I fail Him daily. His Word says in 1 John 1:9 (AMP), “ If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”

He has proven Himself to be true to His own nature and promises. He has delivered me from sins I didn’t think I could ever escape. And I have hope he will continually cleanse me from the unrighteousness I still have because I am human.

Because of this hope, I will keep digging in Scripture, painful as it is, so I can become more like Him and less flawed. And because of this hope, I am thankful He continues to cultivate hope in my heart.

If you are wondering where to start in reading your Bible or just need a nudge to read, start in
1 John. Underline all the “This is how we know:” phrases. It will start the process of cultivating hope in your heart.