At the age of 18 years old, swimmer Kim Linehan held the world record in the women’s 1500 meter freestyle in 1981. A hard worker, Linehan had an extensive exercise regimen, and swam 7 to 12 miles every day. Once, when asked the hardest part of her workout, she said, “Getting in the water.” (as quoted in Reader’s Digest, June 1981).
There are many applications to draw from this illustration. For example, I find it to be true when writing. Either when writing for the bulletin, Watchman Magazine, or the newspaper, the most difficult part for me is getting started! In fact, I will often procrastinate, waiting for inspiration to strike, when I would be better served putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), and just start writing!
The same is true with regard to gaining a knowledge of God’s word. Most would like to become familiar with God’s will. They want the ability to quickly bring a passage to mind, or easily comprehend the writer’s intent in each book or epistle. But, the task seems daunting, unattainable.
But it is not! You may ask, what is the hardest part of gaining knowledge? The answer, “Opening the book!” Open it up, and begin reading. Pay attention, ask questions, be curious. It will take time, but once your Bible is open, you will never want to close it again. “When you read, you may understand…” (cf. Eph. 3:4).
