Between The Lines: Life

The Bible is filled with so many stories of men and women, average everyday citizens, going through life like we do.

Some have dramatic moments in life that turn their world upside down, some are simply a walk-on to redirect an event. Some people cover many books of the Bible, some are not even identified by name. But the one common thread to their existence in Scripture is that their narrative is only a glimpse into their whole life.

You see, all of these characters are, in a way, sharing their moments that God wants us to know about. The times when God is moving, using, directing, teaching, leading, and showing us key elements about His character and ways. Yet, in between these key points, there is still an existence!

What we don’t see in Scripture is the day-to-day stuff. The mundane. Those moments when they are talking shop with co-workers. The times they chat with the neighbors about the latest news. Daily walks to the market for food and trades is often overlooked. Family gatherings are not written up. All of these things take place in between the lines. From verse to verse, or chapter to chapter, they all had the usual life happenings like we do.

So when we think about Peter’s preaching and such, we need to remember that in between those dramatic letters was a guy, like any other guy. Who got up in the morning to breakfast, washed up, helped with chores, patched holes, went to the store, talked with neighbors about the weather, and just about every things else we do daily.

When we find ourselves in those moments when we question if God is working in our lives, when we don’t see forward motion in growth and development, we need to remember that we are still dutiful and diligent members of the Body of Christ, we need to remember that even the greatest of men had “down times” in their Biblical stories!

I like to think about Paul in his day to day moments…in between the vast writings, teachings, preachings, missions, visits, and other recorded events, Paul was probably praying and studying, weeping and laughing, and singing and praising God. But we also know that he was working…real jobs.

Like many of the Bible heroes and villains, each had their regular jobs. Peter, James, and John were fishermen by trade. Paul was a tent-maker. Matthew, before being called to ministry, was a collector of taxes for the government. Even during their ministry time, many had to still had to continue to provide by tending to their trades.

In between the lines of the Word, the men and women of Biblical times were still active with dishes and laundry, cooking and cleaning, working and gathering. Just like us!

So, if there is any encouragement from this viewpoint that I can share is to remember that even in the quietness, between the notable events of our lives, God is still working within us, for us, and through us to accomplish His will!

Stay strong, stay in the Word, and stay with God.