Tuesday, May 25, 2010

When You Don't Get It

I don't get it, my seventh-grade students used to complain when I taught the parts of speech. Perplexing for sure. I mean a gazillion grammar rules that overlap, overwhelm, and often contradict each other. And you have to know all of them, right?

Not really, I told them. You just need to know one rule.

Sounds weird, but it's true.

Here's the rule: Look at how you're using the word in the sentence. How the word is used determines its part of speech.

Verb. Adverb. Adjective, or whatever.

Ok, relax. My students had to take a test on this, but you don't. Although, I know that you would ace it!

Anyway, they struggled to "get" that little grammar lesson, and I sympathized with them. Sometimes, I find it difficult to "get" the lessons that God wants me to learn.

Have you been there? Like you just want to go after something that's important to you, and it's a good thing. But God says that you've got to be still. And silent. And you've got to surrender everything to Him. And you have to keep it that way.

I don't always "get" why God does that, you know. Do you?

But I'm trying to do what I instructed my students to do: Look at how I'm using the Word.

The Bible tells us that there's a right way and a wrong way to manage God's Word.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

The right way to handle the Word is to get into it every day. Sweet girl, His Word is so good. His Word gives life. And light. Strength. Comfort. Encouragement. He offers help and hope.

However, if we're not getting into the Word, then we can't get anything out of the Word. I mean that should be pretty simple; but it isn't.

Using the Word correctly involves choices. Using the Word correctly includes forgiving ourselves when we make bad choices, and our commitment and consistency aren't exactly stellar.

There's so much that God wants to give to us through His Word.

There's so much that He wants us to give to others.

When we don't "get" what God is doing, He wants us to look at how we're using the Word.

Because we hold the words that the whole world needs to hear.

And He so wants us all to "get" it.

To "get" that He sent His only Son. Precious Son. Beloved Son. To die for us.

To "get" His amazing love.

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18 comments:

  1. I so many times fail to GET IT.....Loved this post....

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  2. I am right there beside you. We just finished a bible study on the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan...and it really convicted me on how...not so prepared I am for the life as a Christian.

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  3. I must be one of His 'densest' students ):

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  4. Grammar and God, definitely hard ones to analyze.

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  5. Words, that's why we write. He is the Word. I think it will take an eternity to learn all He wants us know. Hey, I'm game!

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  6. brilliant!!! this is totally awesome..b/c I know it's true. And I love your three s's still, silent and surrender. :)

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  7. Deb

    Grammar!! You know what a time I have with that.

    God's Word. I love but have problems there as well at times.

    Just finished a Beth Moore Bible Study that was awesome. It has helped me in many ways.

    Like I told you the other day you make me very proud.

    Awesome post!!!!!!!

    Love Ya,
    Next To Big Sis

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  8. Hi Deb,
    I should have known you were a teacher. All three of the girls in my family have their teaching degrees. I got to sub and team teach with Libbie, we had a great time. Well, I did anyway, I shouldn't speak for her!

    There are so many lessons in life I need to learn. Many I have learned and forgotten. Luckily God is a very forgiving teacher! That and He finds ways to teach me lessons that I will not forget!

    I am hoping you have the most wonderful Memorial Day weekend. I hope you get to spend it with your precious hubby!
    Kate

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  9. I totally "get" what you're saying. Very nicely said, my friend.

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  10. "I love this post!" exclaimed the English teacher.

    I just may use the concept with my high school students during devotions. Great post.

    Hope you enjoy your holiday weekend.

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  11. What a creative post this is, Deb. How clearly you have made to comparison between English Grammar and God's word. What you wrote is so right, I really was in awe while reading it. So full of deep insights.

    I truly appreciate what you wrote, dear Deb.

    Thank you!

    Love
    Lidj

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  12. I love the scripture you chose: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). - I am always trying to get across to my sons that whatever they turn their hand to, to turn it with all their might - that they are workmen who daily need to offer their highest quality work to God - and it all needs to be wrapped in the Word!

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  13. Totally getting it - great analogy.

    The word made flesh and dwelt among us!

    Hope you're having a great weekend!

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  14. I love this post and I have been visiting your blog. The love of the lord is in your heart and it shows. I will be back for another visit.

    God's Blessing to you and your family.

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  15. YES! Yes, sister, yes! I get it. I hear you. I applaud! This is the Rule that Brings Life. Teach it, sister!

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  16. Your words are always just what I need to hear. Thank you for being a vessel for the Lord.

    {{HUGS}}

    Teresa <><

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  17. This is exactly what I needed to read tonight! I am currently trying hard to "get" a lesson God wants me to learn and you have encouraged me! Good stuff here!!!

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  18. Wow, very well said. New follower here...glad I found your blog. (I clicked on it 'cause I liked the name!) Looking forward to reading more from you.

    Jennifer
    http://www.thefarriswheel.blogspot.com

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