It Takes Practice

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17

Kenny groaned as he picked himself up from the snow. He was learning to ski, and his feet were in great big boots that were locked onto two long sticks of fiberglass. When he had begged to go skiing with his big brother, Nicholas had warned him it wasn’t as easy as it looked. Kenny soon found out Nicholas was right.

“I’ll never learn how to ski!” Kenny exclaimed after falling for the umpteenth time.

Nicholas grinned. “Tell you what—your lift ticket includes a lesson for beginners.” He pointed to a group of kids at the top of a small hill. “Why don’t you go join the class and get some pointers?”

Kenny joined the group, and the ski instructor taught the beginners some of the basic moves. Then came the first few trips down the bunny hill, which was the easy hill. The instructor held a long pole in front of the beginners for them to hold onto to keep their balance.

“That was fun!” Kenny said when he rejoined Nicholas. “I think I’m ready for the big hill.” Just then, he lost his balance and fell sideways into the snow. “Oops! I guess I’d better practice some more.”

As they headed home after a fun-filled day, Kenny was excited. “I wish we could skip church tomorrow and go skiing again, but I know Mom and Dad won’t let us.”

“No,” said Nicholas, “and that’s good, because learning to understand the Bible better is kind of like learning to ski. It takes practice. The more you work at skiing, the better you can do it—and the more you read and study the Bible at church and on your own, the more you understand it.”

“I had a ski instructor,” said Kenny. “I guess a Bible instructor is good too.”

“Yes,” said Nicholas. “In a way, the Holy Spirit is like our Bible instructor. He helps us understand what God is saying to us and apply it to our lives. We can also ask other Christians for help when we don’t understand something—like Mom, Dad, or Pastor Lee.” Nicholas grinned at his little brother. “Just remember, anything worthwhile takes time and effort. Keep practicing.” • Charlie VanderMeer

How About You?

Do you have trouble understanding what the Bible says? Some of the stories are easy to read and understand. Other parts of the Bible are more difficult. But you have an instructor helping you—the Holy Spirit. As you read the Bible on your own and with others, He will help you understand what it says. But it still takes practice, so keep reading. It’s worth the effort.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Practice Bible reading