Recently,
Jim and I watched a 2014 interview with Eva St. Marie on television. At 88, she is still lovely and spunky at
times. Her big break in acting, winning
an Oscar for her performance in On the
Waterfront, came after much hard work and “pounding the pavement” in New
York. The interviewer asked her what
sustained her through those hard years.
Her reply caught my attention, and later I saw a parallel in it to our
Christian lives.
In
college, she took a role in her sorority’s play and genuinely “caught the
acting bug” while studying to become a teacher. On a visit home, she told her parents about
this surprising twist in her future plans.
After pointing out the uncertainty of such a path, her father encouraged
her to do her best whatever she chose.
Of course, such an endorsement from the parents she loved undergirded
her plan. Another great encouragement came
from a letter she received from her drama teacher at school. He affirmed her talent, including other helpful
words about her future. She still has
the letter which she read often in those early years. What a gift we present to others with genuine
words of encouragement.
As
I thought back on this exchange while reading a devotional, I realized the
scriptures are our Father’s words to His children as the Spirit directed people
over many centuries to share stories of faith and instruction. Paul’s letter to Timothy (2 Tim. 16, 17)
states, “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Psalms alone are powerful as authors
share their darkest moments and testing experiences yet reveal a return to remembering
God’s faithfulness, power and love.
Glorious recognition of God as creator, redeemer, rescuer and coming
Savior are repeated themes in all 150 of them.
In
my 20s, a friend shared a way of reading the Bible that was more personal,
expecting God “to speak” to me in its pages.
At the time, I had been sick for a few months and was open to seeking a
God who could do more than “hold my hand” although that is no small thing. I
underlined verses that directed me to trust God to help me, to do for me what
was beyond human ability, including my own.
Doing this changed my Christian life and gave me faith to expect good
even after the unusual cause for the pericarditis and sickness was discovered.
Seeking
God Himself as we read His word offers us more than even the best cards and
letters we receive. Hebrews 4:12 claims, “the word of God is living and
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword . . .” Let’s read and remember the scriptures God
has given to encourage, instruct and build faith as we face each day and what
it holds.
