“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.“ Matthew 7:24
A Familiar Conversation
- Mother: “Have you read your Bible today?”
- Child: “Yes, Mum, I just finished.”
- Father: “How many chapters did you cover?”
- Child: “I only read five verses, Dad.”
- Parent: “You need to cover at least five chapters today, clear?”
- Child: “Yes, Dad…”
Reading vs. Rooting
Many of us grew up on goals like “Read your Bible every day” or “Finish the Bible in a year.” While these are great habits, spiritual strength isn’t measured by page count. The strongest believers aren’t those who race through chapters, they are those who sit with God’s Word long enough to observe, reflect, question, pray, and practice its truth.
Scripture prioritizes meditation over speed:
- Joshua was instructed to “meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8).
- David described the blessed person as one who delights in God’s Word and meditates on it continually (Psalm 1:1-3).
Spiritual fruit grows from depth, not haste.
As someone who loves to cook, I often compare Bible study to making iconic Nigerian dishes like Jollof rice or pepper soup. There are simply some processes that cannot be rushed. If you turn up the heat just to finish faster, the final taste gives you away.
In the same way, rushing through Scripture might pack your head with information, but only abiding in it will transform your heart.
Anchored in a New Land
For immigrants navigating new systems, unfamiliar weather, cultural shifts, and life transitions, what you need isn’t a quick skim, it’s an anchored heart. God’s Word, deeply understood, steadies you in uncertain seasons.
Where is your focus right now?
Every believer wrestles with a different part of the journey:
- Observation: Slowing down enough to truly notice what the text says.
- Understanding: Asking hard questions, utilizing study tools, and praying for light (Psalm 119:18).
- Consistency: Building small, sustainable habits amid a busy schedule.
- Retention: Writing down one key takeaway and sharing it with a friend.
- Journaling: Documenting insights, feelings, and practical steps forward.
A Word of Hope
Just like getting your driving license in Canada, reading the manual isn’t enough, you have to get behind the wheel and apply it.
- If you feel overwhelmed, let Scripture anchor your soul.
- If you feel lonely, remember that the Holy Spirit is present to teach, comfort, and guide.
God isn’t tracking how fast you flip the pages; He is caring for how deeply you take root. Take your time. Sit with the Word. Ask questions. Let it anchor you.
Let’s remember, strong believers aren’t fast readers, they are deep dwellers who have developed roots to withstand the storms of life.
