Reading Old Stories

I don't always want to sit back up in bed and pray before going to sleep. I don't always want to get up before Caleb does and read the Bible. I don't always want to go to Small Group and talk about all the things I "don't always want to" do. 


I don't always have a passion for the things of God. Honestly I'm quite self-absorbed and love sleep and Facebook and my own comfort far, far too much. However, God has been gracious to give me stories--biographies and autobiographies of the saints who've gone before me, living and dying well.


This idea is taken from Pastor John Piper: "Living theology. Flawed and encouraging saints. Stories of grace. Deep inspiration. The best entertainment. Brothers, it is worth your precious hours. Remember Hebrews 11. And read Christian biography."


When I read about the saints from the Bible or history, I'm encouraged and challenged and a fire, though still small, is ignited in my soul. I see their God and how He provided and withheld, gave and took away, and then I see their love and faithfulness toward Him in all of it. (It is quite encouraging to see them not always so faithful, as well.) 


Some who've inspired me:

• Sarah Edwards, SAHM and wife of Jonathan Edwards
• Dr. Helen Roseveare, medical missionary to the Congo
• Gladys Aylward, missionary board reject who saved 100+ orphans in China
• Darlene Deibler Rose, young bride and missionary to New Guinea during WWII
• Martin Luther King, Jr., pastor and great Civil Rights leader
• Harriet Tubman, Moses to the slaves of the Underground Railroad
• Elisabeth Elliot, missionary wife who ministered to the murderers of her husband

I'm reminded that I am the daughter of the same God who gives and takes away, but Who is always working for my good and His glory. He can be always trusted and deserves to be worshipped and cherished in my little ordinary life. 


I'm spurred on toward "love and good deeds." I see my need for the Bible and prayer and community. My heart is softened and made happy again. Reading the stories of the old saints makes me want to know God intimately as they did. Such sweet, sweet fellowship.


One more thing, Sara Groves has a song that renews my desire for God by reminding me of those who've gone before us. It's titled When the Saints. Look it up on iTunes. (I couldn't find a worthy video to imbed.)



    "And all these [saints], though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
     Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 
(Hebrews 11:39-12:2, emphasis mine)


This post is linked up at We are THAT Family and at Women Living Well.