confession:

I'm having trouble getting through the prophets. I started reading the Bible straight through about a year ago. And if I had stayed on track, I'd be in Revelation within the next two weeks. But instead, I am stuck in Jeremiah. (I know...I'm not even that far into the prophets! And, Sara, I am so sorry this is your favorite prophet and I can't seem to get started... )

Something happened to my enthusiasm when the story stopped. Obviously I know it's all story, but I liked it earlier when their were people's lives we were following with a plot line and suspenseful moments like, "will they make it across that red sea?!!" But now the story parts are less common and the writing is mostly a frustrated plea by a poor guy who is desperate to call God's people to turn from their wicked ways.

Again, I get that this is a HUGE part of the big story, but I am starting to wish that I would have read the Bible in chronological order (found here). This way these poor prophets would be crying out while I already have a vivid picture of the wayward people in my head. Like the pictures I had while reading 1st and 2nd Kings...

I hope this is all being understood. I'm not actually complaining about the prophets, I'm just confessing that I've lost steam. And it bums me out, because I am the only one who is losing when I avoid this good book. I mean that. I once heard that you have to make sure that you have a way for God to speak to you each day. It could be through prayer or scripture or a sermon or devotional book. But for me, the Bible seems to be the best way I "hear" God.

So it frustrates me that I can't seem to kick this dry spell. Then I read this:
I'm humbled after reading this, because a) this quote is saying a whole lot and b) it is obvious that I am basing my Bible reading on my own interest and mood. As if "squeezing it in" is going to do the trick.

The good news is that I know what's coming up in this book, and I know that the messiah these prophets hint at, and the wonders he will do are still to come at the climax of this book, when a baby comes to save the world.

Until then, I'm pressing on. And I'm writing that so I feel accountable to do so.