Scripture Memory Challenge
our own understanding, what is in our
future or the future of those around us. God however, is omniscient, all
knowing. He knows how the events of yesterday, today and tomorrow will fit
together for His good.
By Shelly Burke, Editor
The verse we’ve chosen for the February Scripture Memory
Challenge is:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your
paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
In this verse God has given us a command, and a promise.
The command begins, “Trust
in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” I
am thankful that I do not have to “lean
on my own understanding”; so many times I desire something and only realize
later that receiving it would not have been in the best interests of me or
those around me.
In our own understanding we have just a miniscule snapshot
of God’s plan. We are unable to see, in
One of my favorite Bible narratives is that of the Old
Testament Joseph (found in Genesis 37 and 39-46). In his own understanding Joseph
probably could not comprehend why God would allow his brothers to sell him into
slavery. But the Bible tells us that Joseph trusted in the Lord and remained
faithful to Him through years of captivity; Joseph eventually became the
highest ranking official in Egypt and from this position he was able to save
his family and many others from starvation during a seven year famine.
Likewise, in our own understanding, we might not be able to
comprehend the death of a loved one, the breakup of a marriage, financial
hardships, children who stray, or a severe illness or disease. We might not
comprehend His purpose this side of heaven, but this is when we “trust in the Lord” and remember His
promise of Romans 8:28, which says, “for
those who love God all things work together for good…”
The next part of this passage commands, “in all your ways acknowledge Him”. My study Bible defines
“acknowledge” as “Apply what you have
learned from the Lord in everything you do.” How? First, thank Him for His
blessings and all He has done for you.
Then seek His will through prayer and Bible study. Listen
for His still small voice. Study His word. Attend church and Bible class. Apply
what you have learned in everything you do—work, play, relationships, finances,
parenting—and incorporate Him into every part of your life.
And then the promise: “And He will make straight your paths.” This
is very reassuring to me; some days I’m
filled with “what if’s” and questions and doubts about the path I’m on in my
life. I can’t see the future to know how the decisions I make today will impact
my future, and sometimes I’m afraid to make decisions for fear they’ll be the
“wrong” ones. I haven’t bowled in many years but when I read God’s promise in
this verse, I pictured a bowling alley with the bumpers (long inflated tubes)
in the gutters. Bumpers are often used when kids are bowling as they prevent
the bowling balls from going in the gutter, instead bouncing them back onto the
“straight path”, the middle of the bowling alley. When I trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him,
He will keep my path straight, “bouncing” me back on the right path when I
threaten to go into the “gutter.”
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