Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

“What are you reading?” asked Dr. Trent as he entered the examination room and saw Alisha with an open book on her lap.

“It’s the Bible,” said Alisha.

“The Bible? Why are you reading that?” Dr. Trent asked. “With all the exciting books out there, I would think you’d find an old book like that pretty boring.”

“Oh no,” Alisha said. “It’s not like that at all. I’m on a Bible quiz team, and our next contest is coming up, so I’ve been studying whenever I get a chance. I think the stories in the Bible are really interesting.” She closed her Bible. “Besides, reading the Bible helps me—well—I don’t know.” Alisha sighed, frustrated she couldn’t express what she was thinking.

“I have something for you,” said Dr. Trent. He held up a new pair of glasses.

“Oh good,” said Alisha as she removed her old ones. The doctor placed the new glasses on Alisha’s face, checking behind her ears to see how they fit. “Wow!” Alisha said, looking around.

Dr. Trent smiled. “You didn’t realize how much you were missing with your old glasses, did you?”

“No,” said Alisha. “Everything is so much clearer now.” As she looked around the room, she glanced at her Bible, and suddenly she had an idea. “That’s why I read the Bible, Dr. Trent.” The doctor raised his eyebrows. “Reading the Bible is kind of like getting glasses,” Alisha explained. “It helps me see things more clearly. Actually, it’s even better than glasses because the Bible helps me see things like who God is and how much He loves me—so much that Jesus died for my sins! It shows me how God wants me to live and reminds me that I can always trust Him, no matter what.”

“It sounds like the Bible means a lot to you,” said Dr. Trent.

Alisha nodded. “It’s changed my life.” She stood up to leave. “You should read it for yourself—it’s better than the best glasses you’ve ever had!”

Dr. Trent smiled. “Maybe I’ll give it a try sometime.”

“I hope so,” said Alisha. “You might realize how much you’ve been missing!”

–Bob Hostetler