I really enjoy reading biographies.
I love the suspense of seeing the stories unfold as people journey into the unknowns of life. Even though every story is unique, you find yourself relating to the lives of complete strangers. As of late, I have been reading biographies of Christian men and women throughout the ages. It is so encouraging to see that men and women have been living in relationship to God for thousands of years. It’s not so much what they have done for God that stands out to me, but what our God has done in them.
One element that I assumed would show up in these stories was that our brothers and sisters in Christ were living a simpler life in times past. Times that consisted of less distraction, less busyness, less mess, and more Jesus, I thought. Well, that’s not exactly the portrait I found.
When all is said and done, I find tales of Christians that have gone before us to be eerily similar to the tales I get to hear from Christians right inside our own church family. People were changed by walking daily with Christ and his people through all that life has to offer. It’s quite amazing really. Yes, some elements are very 1600’s, but what lies beneath, at the heart of most stories, are people like you and me striving to stay close to our wonderful Savior who is worthy of our deepest affection and worship.
The Spirit that binds all of our stories together is one that has no beginning and no end, is Holy beyond our comprehension, and loves us to the uttermost. He is our God, and we are His Beloved. As you take time to read His story, take note of the character of our God, whose love has endured throughout the ages, and who holds all things together to the Glory of His name.
3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:3-4
If you’re interested in getting your feet wet with some biographies, a great place to start is with any of the books from the series Christian Heroes: Then and Now by Janet and Geoff Benge, and 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe.
And above all else, read the Bible, that you may know Him and the power of His Word in your own life.
May His Spirit sustain you in all your days ahead, as He has in all the days and lives gone past.
Kyle Hines
Student Ministries Director