For the past several years, I’ve done some form of “reading the Bible in a year.” This started with my grandfather making a family calendar each year that included all the birthdays and anniversaries, classic family photos, and Bible reading for each day. I loved that I could read the Bible with my grandparents from miles away. The Bible in a year plans vary: some are in straight “canonical” order, some are chronological (when they occur in history), and some have a mix of Old and New Testament readings each day. I enjoy reading, listening to, and studying the Word more each year. Here are some of my observations.

Rebellion, Judgment, and Deliverance

Throughout the Old Testament, a pattern of rebellion, judgment, and deliverance emerges. The people do well for a time, then begin doing what is right in their own eyes. God sends judgment, and they face the consequences of their rebellion. They cry out for God’s mercy and redemption, and He delivers them. This cycle repeats so often that reading it can make you dizzy, until you recognize that people today are not any different. How many times do we make the same mistakes over and over? How often do we allow ourselves to fall away and make excuses? Then, when we see the chaos of consequence, we cry out for help.

Even if we don’t see a miraculous intervention, we can still see God at work through His Word, His church, and the unexpected ways He provides. He has given us His Word to provide guidance and wisdom. He has given us the church to help meet our needs. Oftentimes, we call out as a last option after trying to solve the problem on our own. As one of my favorite quotes reminds us, “Prayer is a first response, not a last resort.” Be a first responder.

As we read the Word of God, two simple words often change the course of circumstances: BUT GOD. Here are just a few examples:

But God remembered Noah… (Genesis 8:1). All the people of the earth were wicked, with thoughts that were altogether evil all the time, except for Noah. God preserved humanity through Noah and his family, giving the world a new beginning.

But God meant it for good… (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, and he became the second most powerful man in Egypt. In their jealousy, they wanted to hurt and punish Joseph, but God used the circumstance to bring salvation.

But God led the people… (Exodus 13:18). When the Israelites fled Egypt and the armies of Pharaoh, God deliberately led them through the wilderness, even though going through Philistia would have been nearer, using that time to prepare them for what lay ahead.

BUT GOD will ransom my soul (Psalm 49:15) and strike the heads of my enemies (Psalm 68:21) because He is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

But God raised Him from the dead (Acts 13:30). As Paul recounts the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, he emphasizes the power and providence of God. Not only that, but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Paul also writes, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!” (Ephesians 2:4–5).

A Choice, a Change, and a Challenge

Through the Gospels, Jesus teaches the disciples how to live and share God’s love with all people. Through the book of Acts, we learn how to become a part of the church. Through the letters, we gain instruction and encouragement.

In each of these teachings, we have a choice to make: continue living as “dead in our trespasses” OR “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1) to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). The choice to change your life and follow Christ includes significant challenges, specifically living contrary to the world.

Jesus offers all people a choice. Each chooses whether or not to make the changes necessary to follow Him. Repentance means to turn from sin, agreeing with God that sin is sin, and leaving that lifestyle behind. This change will come with challenges, but He gives us all we need, provides a way out, and works the circumstances for good, according to His purpose. We may not always see the good, certainly not in the moment, but we can walk in Hope and trust that God does not change.