I came to know the Lord at the age of 20. I developed a hunger for His Word, diligently studying the Bible for many years. Over time, I became familiar with the Bible and could find what I wanted most of the time. But I never memorized it. I was getting along just fine – so I thought. A few years ago I entered a season that was not quite what I’d hoped for. I tried keeping up appearances but my life unraveled at a fairly rapid pace and God revealed some not so pretty things in me. I was disillusioned, weary and lacked joy.
In December ‘06, my husband and I attended his office Christmas party. A co-worker, Bob, stood up and shared from memory the Christmas story from Luke. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever heard and I determined that I, too, was going to memorize Luke 2 – NEXT CHRISTMAS. (Thank you, God, for your patience.)
Well, I didn’t forget. On day 1 of the next Advent season, I began memorizing Luke 2 not knowing what would happen over those next 4 weeks. Every day I meditated on one verse, adding a verse each day. My mind turned from anxiety and fear to where it should be – the miraculous birth of Christ. I discovered a new joy and peace throughout the craziness of the holidays that I’d never experienced.
I couldn’t wait to do the same thing during Lent. On Ash Wednesday I began to memorize Isaiah 53. Same thing – a precious time of walking hand in hand with Jesus through that most holy season.
Somehow it had not dawned on me that I could do this all the time….until a short time later when I heard Janet Pope recite Philippians. She also shared how memorizing Scripture brought her closer to God. I could hardly choke back the tears. I knew her message was for me. I came home that day ecstatic and I have never been the same. I turned off the T.V. (mostly), turned off the radio in my car, and began memorizing and meditating on God’s Word throughout each day. Now, 5 years later, I’ve memorized the Sermon on the Mount, Titus, Ephesians, Galatians, John 13-17 and I’m currently working on Daniel. My relationship with God is real and personal. He is transforming me as I drink deeply from His bottomless well.
hi there Susan! How nice to see your face and hear a bit more about your story. We met out in Colorado. You recited Sermon on the Mount out on the deck overlooking the mountains. It was beautiful. A couple of years ago I decided to memorize it myself. Thank you for your inspiration. And I have found also that to memorize books it is necessary to give up TV radio and pleasure book reading sometimes. Well worth the return. Amen
Cathy!! Hey!!! It is so good to hear from you. That was indeed a special time in Colorado. Thank you for your sweet comments. Didn’t you feel like you were sitting at the feet of Jesus when you memorized the Sermon on the Mount? And now we can do that any time – sit at His feet – in the car, at the drs. office, sleepless nights. That is one of my favorite passages to review. I do hope you will share your story with us too.
Loved your story Susan! Not watching tv is a challenge I need to take too! Also, I haven’t tried memorizing anything from the Old Testament (except a few psalms) but that inspires me to start!! Maybe today!
Susan, thank you so much for sharing your story! I love hearing how the Lord inspired you through the co-worker at your husband’s work–you then through your memorizing influenced my friend Lise–who was an inspiration to me. And Scripture memory has been a life-changer for me. How precious is the body of Christ to spur one another on in this way!
Ok, time to stop procrastinating and start memorizing. I hear you loud and clear, Lord! Thanks for sharing your story, Susan!
Susan
Thanks for sharing your story. I think it is wonderful how you were inspired to memorize scripture and in turn have inspired others. I always enjoy hearing God’s word being quoted or being spoken in a conversation, or in a sermon. It has been said that it was impossible to talk with John Bunyan without hearing scripture. To be a person who glorifies God by oozing scripture would (will) be so cool.
It is all God.
To ooz scripture – that is my new goal!!
I love it.
It’s fascinating to see what God uses to draw hearts to memorize. I see the recurring theme of quoting it aloud to people. I know that is what got me hooked, but I’m wondering what sorts of situations people are finding that lend themselves to this? I can quote it just fine when I’m by myself, but when I have an audience, I get distracted – it’s a lot harder. Any thoughts?
Hi Karen,
Don’t forget that the number one individual that would try to disrupt your testimony when quoting scripture would be Satan, He would be one to say you can’t do it, it’s too hard, give up, etc. Just so other’s would not hear the blessing of what you have to share.
Take a deep breath even when you stumble, don’t give up, close your eyes, visualize the scriptures on the cards or how they appear in the bible, start the previous verse again and move forward.
Just know, when you have it mastered it is there in you, give your self a chance to let the Lord lead and give you peace and it will all come out!! 🙂
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The more you do it the better you get.
You are such a blessing and inspiration! Not only your Scripture memory but more importantly how you apply it to your daily living and how you share the Lord’s love with others. I praise God for you and the impact that Bob and Janet have had on your journey.
God is awesome and His Word is indeed powerful!
Of course the motivation to memorize scripture is to know God and to allow His Word to change my corrupt heart. It is a lifelong process to be sure.
However, I want to be ready to share scripture with others when and if an opportunity presents itself. This is certainly outside of my comfort zone and takes courage. It takes getting out of myself and realizing that it is not me but God’s Word in me. I don’t want to shy away from humbly sharing God’s Word if invited.
I have found that saying scripture out loud is different and more challenging than meditating in my head even when I am alone. I don’t really know why. Maybe because we have an adversary who doesn’t really want to hear it spoken.
I think it takes practice –
When I am alone at home or in my car, I try to recite scripture aloud and my ears hear the sound of my own voice and I get use to it.
Sometimes I ask my husband if I can share scripture with him and he loves it.
Start a scripture memory group. Our scripture memory group has been a wonderful source of encouragement and accountability in memorizing and reciting scripture. We meet monthly and those who want to will recite the scripture they are learning. It is wonderful to practice and it is a blessing to all who hear.
Lastly, pray! Ask God to help you recite aloud for His glory. Ask Him for an opportunity, and be ready.
You are so inspirational and I’m proud to be your daughter 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story to encourage others!
I am proud that you are my daughter and what you are allowing God to do in you as well.
I love you,
Mommy
Keep up the ooz mom!! Couldn’t be prouder.
One of my most touching moments was when you memorized Luke 2 a a birthday gift to me.
I love you,
Mom
Thank you for sharing your story. I love how scripture replaces fear and worry! That has been so true in my life. You have challenged me to turn off my radio more and switch my thoughts over to meditating on my verses. A much better way to spend my time. Blessings and keep it up!
Hey Susan
Very encouraged to read your testimony! What power, life and TRUTH in God’s Word – so personal and intimate is our Lord! Very inspired by your story, thanks for taking the time to share it! And thanks for encouraging me and so many others!
God bless you,
Chris Gray
Susan, I am honored to be a part of your story. God crossed our paths in such a unique way. I’ve loved watching you and seeing The Lord shine through you. I too remember you reciting the Sermon on the Mount in Colorado. It was powerful and moving. Thank you for opening your home every month for all of us to share God’s Word and holy moments together. Your friendship is precious to me and I love you.
I was glad to read your story and the comments. They really encourage me to keep the Word in my heart and on my lips more than I have lately. And now I’m curious about John Bunyan, may have to read up on that. I also think of Corrie Ten Boom and how pages of scripture became so precious to them while in the concentration camp and I think about situations I may be in where you can only rely on your memory and may not have a Bible. It has to be in the heart to begin with to be able to retrieve it.
Thank you sweet friends for all of your words of encouragement. You are all an inspiration and a blessing to me. I am humbled and amazed at the power of His Word. I so desperately need Him each and every moment. There is still much work to be done in me!! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your grace is sufficient.
“But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.” Galatians 5:5
That’s a great testimony! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Susan, loved loved loved reading your story. You are an inspiration to all who know you. Thank you for your joyful spirit. Much love from all the Popes.
It has been encouraging to see all of you ladies post about how important is to you to memorize the Lord’s word!! I know there are other’s out there that are just as passionate and it is wonderful to see you all sharing your thoughts. God Bless~~
Thank you for the wonderful encouragement Susan! You and Janet are great encouragement to me in scripture memory and many other ways!
Susan, though I have known you for over a year – I did not know what inspired you to memorize. I could not help but smile ear to ear as I read the blog. You have an incredible humility when it comes to sharing God’s word. Not just when you quote, but how you graciously open your home for other Bible Memorizing Women to share. There is much I can learn from you. May your house where we meet be a rich blessing to those who enter it (as it is filled the God’s Word).
Susan, tears came to my eyes as I read your story because, to me personally, your story is a vivid reminder of how God used you to bring me to Scripture memory. I too have found the peace and joy that only God can give through memorizing Scripture and will never forget that it started when I sat and listened to you recite the Christmas story from Luke. Before that time, I would have never thought it was possible for me to memorize even a short passage but after hearing you I went home praying that God could do that in me. What a blessing and reconfirmation to know that NOTHING is impossible with our mighty GOD!! And what an encouragement your story is for each of us to continue to focus on Scripture memory as a way to further our walk with Jesus Christ. With much love and thankfulness.