The best decision of my life was when I chose to surrender my life to Jesus Christ. My second-best decision was five years later. It was the decision to commit to spending five minutes a day reading the Bible and meditating on the God’s Word.
The challenge was presented at a Christian seminar. We were cautioned in the seriousness of making a vow to God. It was not to be taken lightly, because it was never to be broken. The speaker warned, “Today you may feel like vowing to spend 20 minutes a day in the Word, but don’t do it. However, if you cannot spare five minutes a day, there is something wrong with your schedule.”
Truthfully, I was afraid of making a vow to God and not keeping it. But I did make a commitment—and I’ve maintained it through the years. I believed God desired to speak to me through His Word. I love the Word and as much as I know I need it daily, I also knew I would not be faithful to God’s Word unless I made such a commitment. Even though it’s a commitment to five minutes, rarely is it only five minutes!
Have I broken it? There have been days when I came close. I have found myself in bed at night unable to sleep. Suddenly I realize I’ve missed my time in the Word. I quickly get my Bible and go to another room and yes, I’ll clock-watch just to get my five minutes in.
There have also been times when things were going poorly. Once I was angry—angry with my husband and angry at God. The last thing I wanted to do was open the Bible. Yet at the end of the day I knew I had to, because I’d made a commitment. I found it so difficult I actually cried out, “Jesus help me!”
Once I opened it and read the first words, tears began to flow. God’s love and His peace enveloped me. I was able to forgive and forget. God does reward us when we obey.
Yes, I can say with certainty, that this was the second-best decision of my life. What about you? Have you ever made such a commitment? Would you?
- For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4
- Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- THESE INWARD TRIALS – Words by John Newton; Music by Kathleen
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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What a valuable thing to share…so simple, but still our flesh screams sometimes. The secret to peace!!
Thank you Dixie. I agree: it’s the secret to peace.
I loved this post. Thank you for sharing it.
You are so welcome! I hope it challenges many to do the same.
Kathleen,
I must have been at that same seminar and I made the same vow. I have been faithful all these years and God has rewarded me many “times” over with spiritual insights and revelations that have encouraged and kept me faithful in spite of many mistakes and foibles. God is so full of grace and mercy. Thanks for sharing this today.
Yes Mark, it was probably the same seminar. I’m glad you’ve been faithful through the years. Indeed, God does bless our obedience.