Bible in 90 Days: Getting frustrated yet?

Yesterday, as I took my children to school, I noticed one of my friends quickening her step as I approached.

“How’s your reading coming along?” I asked.

“Not well. I was good for a two days, but it is just too hard with work and…” her voice trailed off as she cruised down the hall.

“Uh-oh.” I thought to myself. “Am I now one of those people that the sight of brings guilt feelings? Yikes!”

And then I thought about how frustrated she must feel. And then I thought of all of you in blogland that I don’t see at school or in the grocery store or, well, anywhere except here.

And I wondered…How are YOU doing on your reading?

Reading the Bible straight through is a challenge, whether you decide to do it in 90 days, 365 days or just over your lifetime. The enemy doesn’t want you to do it and he knows you very, very well.

But you CAN do it. I know you can because I can only imagine that God wants you to do it.

Sure, it is hard work. But, even if you have already fallen way, WAY behind you can still catch back up. It isn’t too late. (And, by the way, if you haven’t even started yet you could still catch up, too, for another couple of days, anyhow.)

If you feel like it’s almost hopeless for you to catch up or do it at all, I would like to encourage you to pray about it and then put a new foot forward.

If you don’t think you can really do it, but want to, then do this: Commit to reading 12 (or 15, depending on where you are)  pages a day for the next week and see how it goes. If you succeed, do it again. If you don’t, think about what kept you back and what changes you could make to achieve the goal.

Often, people participating in the program try to add the reading to their daily schedule. And that works for a few days… especially while the reading is exciting like it is in Genesis. But then all those other activities start calling and the reading gets a little more difficult and something has to give and then frustration sets in.

So if it’s getting tough for you, then think about why you feel it is important to read the Bible. If you haven’t yet, click over to Jack Modesett Jr.’s excellent message on that topic in the Week One Audio Message.

Once you  know WHY YOU want to do this, write it down on a piece of paper and tape it on your bathroom mirror so you are greeted with it every morning. Or maybe tape it to your computer monitor or TV set… or whatever takes your extra minutes.

Then figure out what your reading can replace… because it has to replace something. God isn’t giving you an extra hour each day to do this. But He is giving you all you need.

And take your Bible with you EVERYWHERE. I was embarrassed in the beginning  to do this my first  time, but had I not, I don’t know that I would  have succeeded. I read every chance I got. If your life is like mine, there are lots of tiny pockets of waiting time all over the place. And those 10 minute intervals really add up!

If you haven’t signed up yet for the weekly email messages from the Bible in 90 Days ministry, I would strongly recommend that, as well. Each email gives the day’s scheduled reading, a key verse to ponder, a little bit of encouragement and a few facts to help in your reading.

I know you have all those regular ‘chores’ to do, too. Are there ways you can make them easier and save time? Maybe you could try to prepare several meals in advance. My friend Jessica gives some great tips on make ahead meals here and here. Or maybe you can lower your standards on a few things until we finish, knowing that you’ll pick back up with a renewed spirit then.

Please don’t set yourself up for frustration. You CAN do this, but it does take some juggling.

I really want you to succeed in this because I know it changed my life, and I have seen how it has drastically changed others’ lives. Your reading of the Bible in 90 days WILL change you. And it might change those around you who see you reading it, as well.

Of course, though, like I said, I don’t want to be the one avoided in the hall or in the blogospere. If you struggle and give up,  I will still be cheering for you. I will still be your friend. And I’ll still love you just as much. And who knows.. maybe you’ll decide another time to give it another try and really ROCK IT!

Just don’t give up yet… not until you are sure you want to let it go.

So… How is your reading coming along?


Comments

53 responses to “Bible in 90 Days: Getting frustrated yet?”

  1. I decided to get up at 5:30am to read before my crazy day starts. It has been going very well. It takes me about 45 minutes. And then I get ready and get the kids up and get ready for work.
    But in order to do this I must go to bed at 9:30 instead of 10:30-11 like I had been doing. So no more TV at night during the week so I can go to bed at 9:30. I may sneak 1 in a week as long as its before 9:30.
    So that’s my plan and I’m going to try and stick to it.
    I did get behind on Thursday because I had a really big exciting day and couldn’t sleep a wink. But I’m almost caught back up.

  2. I am PTL and giving Him ALL the credit…I am on schedule with my reading. Wahoo!! I signed up for this in the Spring or Summer , got the 9o Days Bible and I was ready. It just didn’t happen. By day 2 or 3, I was discouraged and just didn’t “want” to read. :( Not this time! I am enjoying myself and feel a great love for God that He would help increase my desire to read each day.

    The main thing that has helped me is to read it like a story…like a book. I don’t stop and research a detail, not as I read. I read through and I have a highlighter ready. If there is something I want to research, I just highlight it and keep reading. That way, I can get my reading completed. :) Then, I can go back and re-read those scriptures I was interested in.

    Thank you SO much for this group!!! Praying for everyone here!!

  3. Thank you for your encouragement. I’m not behind, but it is still nice to read a bit of encouragement as we all travel down this path!

  4. […] click the following to read more Bible in 90 Days: Getting Frustrated Yet? Tweet This […]

  5. […] until October. How you can re-work your schedule to meet your priorities? I wrote this post about getting frustrated and keeping up during our last online read. Swing by and give it a read if you think you need a little […]

  6. […] If you  need a few more ideas, please see last week’s post, Getting Frustrated Yet? […]

  7. I admit I’m a little behind, but I have a remedy for it this week! lol getting our audio and putting it into my mp3 player to catch up! That still counts right?

  8. I’m on schedule but I find that the readings the last two days are taking way longer than when we read Genesis! I guess it’s just because the material isn’t as “exciting.” There is a lot to learn from Leviticus, it’s just harder to read quickly.
    .-= Cassandra´s last blog ..Bible in 90 Days – Day 8 =-.

    1. Hang in there. I just prayed for you to stick through it. The next week is a tough one, but you can do it!

  9. Thank you for this post I thought it was just my husband and I! We are fully one day behind but aren’t even gonna try and catch-up at this point, we may do as we continue though.

    Never thought of myself as a slow-reader but along with the notes I’m taking, as I read through and learn so much, the daily reading’s taking me a lot longer than the “average” amount.

    But we are not discouraged, should it take us a couple of days longer we care not because it is thus far such a wonderful journey and it’s so lovely to be washed in His words.

    Feel free to add my blog to your side-bar, it’s up and running again
    Grainne
    .-= Grainne´s last blog ..Friday 7th January – Prayer & Priorites/Planning Ahead =-.

    1. You are definitely not alone.. the reading can be challenging, especially this week. I’ve just prayed for you and your husband to stick with it and stay on schedule … I want to celebrate with you on March 31!

  10. Thank you for your encourager. I have shared it with my bloggers and my facebook group. I have lost one of my groupers. So sad. But hey, we can do this. I have been doing great. I fell behind a few chapters but have since then caught back up. I am so glad and proud of my self as well as my 12 year old and my husband. My 12 year old keeps at we coordinate this in as our Bible lesson/study with our schooling. First thing in the am she is hard at it reading away. My husband reads after he wakes up in the afternoon from a long night at work. He has been so faithful and is growing more in Christ.

    I have three toddlers running around here so I try to read first thing in the am, nap times, or when I am on the computer, I head on over to biblegateway.com and read away. We can do this. It dont matter what our schedule consists of or how hecktic it is. We can do this with Gods help and strength and our motivation to just get up and pick up where we left off.

    My husband said, “I never realized how interesting the stories in the front of the bible were!, We were so used to being taught the New testament seldom reflecting on the old, sure we read off and on scriptures of the old but I never really knew it was this interesting and encouraging. They faced things in some cases, are worse then things we face today and how faithful even in discouragement they were.”

    Me personally as we read the old testament, I am reminded of How Faithful God is to his children, How Devoted he is. What he says He is going to do, He will do it! It is a great reminder for all of us today in the times we are in and the things we are faced with today. I am excited and I am more expectant now that What he says, He will do!

    Good Luck everyone, We can do this and what we will gain from completing this challenge in the end, IS GOING TO BE REWARDING!

    1. I love your note… Thank you so much for sharing!
      Pray for the one who stopped reading. You never know when she might try it again. And then keep encouraging those who are sticking with it. We are going to celebrate March 31!!

  11. I am up to date – but I think what is helping is that if I have a big chunk of time, (normally late at night) I just read until I feel done, so sometimes I am getting farther than what is called for in a day. That makes it easier the next day if the day gets out of control, I don’t feel so behind.

    thanks for keeping up the encouragement, I have to say I had a little hard time find a SOAP at first for Leviticus, I will write it later today. Right now, my 4 year old wants to do her starfall calendar time on the computer – 1st things 1st….

    1. Glad you’re making the time for it all. :)

  12. Meredith Bleasdell Avatar
    Meredith Bleasdell

    Thank you Amy for encouraging me and so many others. I have always gotten up before my kids to enjoy my coffee, email and newspaper but now it is cofee, me and my Bible. This is already such a blessing to me and to my walk with the Lord. One of my 11 years old told me he wanted to read the entire Bible! He may need a slower pace and I may start him in the NT but wow! Such praises.

    1. Awesome! Meredith I am thrilled that you are doing this… :)

  13. I’am 2 days behind bec I rendered some overtime work in the ofc, but I plan to catch-up in reading tonight.

    I’am committed not to skip again, bec I want to develop the habit of reading the bible and prayer everyday. I believe if I continue doing this everyday for 90 days – I will develop this habit in my system and I can continue to spend time with God in reading and prayer everyday even after this challenge.

    Thank you for your encouragement. You are a blessing to us. God bless you more!

  14. What a great encouragement with great tips. You are absolutely right that I am trying to fit it into my schedule. I hadn’t thought of it like that. Something else has to go. No problem since I know there are time things that need to go. A little refining of the priorities and schedule is in order.

  15. I’m on track, along with my husband and two oldest children! Thanks so much being an encouragement to us!
    .-= Michelle´s last blog ..Bible in 90 Days: Week 1 is Complete! =-.

  16. I’m still on track, but I can’t believe how many things I’m reading that I don’t remember being there. I do have to admit that todays reading felt like there was a lot of repetition in it….
    .-= stacy´s last blog ..Menu Plan for the Week of January 4-10~Rotating Foods Through =-.

  17. I am on track. I announced on Facebook that I was taking a 90 day break, as well as on a board on which I am active. So all those people know what I am doing and I want to be able to come back after 90 days and let them know I did it.

  18. Thank you for the encouragement. It has been harder than I thought. And I am a very avid reader and have read through the Bible in a year many times. But this is MUCH more reading at a time.

    The only way I am getting it done and not getting behind is because I read online, and I do NOT allow myself to do anything else online in the evening after the kids are in bed until I do my reading. :-)

    And it has helped me very much to be “in a group” by checking in here. I feel some accountability to do it and stick to it. Thank you for providing that!
    .-= Leah´s last blog ..Bible in 90 Days- Day 7 Check In =-.

  19. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    Day 7 done – first time I have read this far in on schedule. I usually try the read in a year plan and as I fall behind just jump back in where I should be so I have missing chunks – so far no missing chunks. Committed to not skipping any to catch up but to just stay on track. Thank you Amy for the challenge and encouragement :-)

  20. […] Bible in 90 Days: Getting Frustrated Yet? by Mom’s Toolbox […]

  21. Well today is day 7 and so far so good. I’ve tried to do it first thing or the last thing I do each day. I’m not saying that it hasn’t been a challenge but I really want to finish this and before you know it it will have been 90days and I will have accomplished my goal with God’s help and a lot of prayer. blessings…Sherry

  22. Coralee Avatar
    Coralee

    I’m happy to say I’m right on track. I have two small ones, so I knew that if I wanted to do this, I’d have to get up before them. I’ve been getting up at 6 am every morning (a BIG feat for me!) to finish before they wake up. I love having that time in the morning. I’ve also been listening, while I read, on the biblein90days.org website. I think hearing it and reading at the same time has really helped me stay focus, and not let my mind wander as much. Thanks again for the challenge!

  23. MemeGRL Avatar
    MemeGRL

    Thank you for posting this. Yes, I am completely behind (after having been caught up) due to huge unexpected schedule changes. I needed the encouragement to figure out next steps. Thanks!

  24. I love this post, thank you for the encouragement and I don’t think I ever posted in the original stuff that I am in, oops, sorry! But I am in and even though I got a bit of a late start I am loving this! Thank you for this opportunity!!
    .-= WifeyBoyd´s last blog ..Showing God’s Love… =-.

  25. I was thinking about this yesterday, how it is hard to develop a new habit or brush off an old one! I blogged yesterday about this, but it bears repeating to offer others encouragement.

    When I am reading my Bible regularly I want to read more, it is more alive, I hear God speaking more clearly, I am more likely to pick up my Bible than a novel or the TV remote! It is like a positive spiral!

    But once I fall off the wagon, so to speak, it is HARD to start again. It is almost like I make myself do it until the desire kicks in again. (That sounds terrible, God’s word is a delight! But I don’t know how to say that better and still be really honest.)

    Already, yesterday, I found God telling showing me things I hand not noticed before and encouraging me at a time I really need it.

    So if people really are struggling, I would just like to join you in encouraging them to hang in there, it truly does get easier. And would alld to ask the Lord to help you each step of the way, each page, each verse, each word! Ask Him to help give you a love and passion for His word as you read.

  26. Cassie Jowers Avatar
    Cassie Jowers

    Fell asleep with all the tabernacle measuring instructions. Will try to finish today’s reading later. Really loving reading the Bible!

    1. I don’t think you are alone on your ‘nap’ timing. Glad you’re enjoying it!

  27. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    Caught back up today after missing a little yesterday with a sick child. I’m finding Exodus to be much slower and harder to read, and harder to find the application. Still working hard at the reading though and knowing that God put this part into the Bible just the same as the others, so it’s worth my time to read it! Thanks for the encouragement.

    1. I’m glad to encourage… and it sounds as though you have the right attitude.

  28. On schedule here also. My husband decided to join me in the reading and it is so nice to have that accountability. We both try to get it done first thing in the morning before he goes to work or I get busy homeschooling and such, and if something happens and we don’t get it in the morning we’ll cover for each other later in the evening, one of us doing somethng with the kids while the other gets some quiet time reading without distractions. Knowing it’s important to each of us helps us keep each other encouraged.

    1. That’s awesome that you are doing it together..sounds like you have a GREAT system worked out, too.

  29. […] and you’re getting behind in your reading, or feeling frustrated at the task ahead, stop by Mom’s Toolbox for some great tips and […]

  30. Well I’m on schedule. If I get too busy one day, I just catch up later. But the key for me is to discipline myself by carving out alone time just for reading and prayer.

  31. I’m not reading the Bible in 90 days – too scared to even make that type of commitment, lol!

    But I did hear you on the radio today and wanted send out a congratulations to you! Keep up the good work here! :)
    .-= Heather @ CSAHM´s last blog ..The Homeschool Decision =-.

    1. Thanks for your encouragement. And, of course… should you ever decide to give it a try, I’m here to cheer you on!!

  32. I have been right on schedule, but I also started waking up 30 minutes earlier (and going to bed earlier) to get it done before the kids wake up. Last Friday’s audio message really encouraged me and reminded me that giving up tv (the today show) will be life changing. Getting up early to read has made my days so much better. I know that it isn’t going to be this easy all the 90 days, but I am so thankful that so far it has been easy and enjoyable and I look forward to reading.
    .-= sarah´s last blog ..90 days, can it be done =-.

  33. So far so good for me. I am quite grateful for this being set before me at a time when my commitments are few. I could get off track. I am doing my reading first thing in the morning (ok, I guess cup of coffee is very 1st), no matter what. No touching laptop til finished. I don’t have little ones to tend to, so not all are able to do this I realize.

    I just know that I have an hour a day to give to Him. I am sure as this continues, I will be tempted to convince myself otherwise. So, I continue at night to ask God to protect that time for me daily. I will add you all to that prayer. May you be resilient!

    Johnnie

    1. It sounds like you are doing really well… fantastic! And thank you so much for your prayers. I know they will make a difference.

  34. THANKS!!!
    I have hesitated asking a few friends to join me for this very reason… What if I get behind… then I have to tell someone FACE to FACE!!

    I AM behind…

    1. It’s okay that you’re behind.. just don’t let yourself get TOO far back. You CAN do this!

  35. On schedule here….but I can’t always read it in one sitting. It’s nice to space it out sometimes. I told my family I’m doing this, so I feel more accountable. I want to show my kids I can do this as well. My husband asked me why am I doing it and I said,” To grow close to God”. This is what I keep in mind when reading or have to read. Today I started to read while I had a Christian show on t.v. I was being distracted, so I turned it off. Beware of distractions and other things that have to get done – that can wait. Keep it up!!!!

    Jen
    .-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Day 7: We are God’s followers! =-.

  36. It’s going great here! I posted today about what I’m learning so far … and have a linky going so others can share their posts as well. Would love to have you link up!!
    .-= Teri Lynne´s last blog ..Read the Bible in 90 Days ~ Wk 1 Summary =-.

  37. Cindy Pirtle Avatar
    Cindy Pirtle

    Amy,
    If you have a Kindle or an iPhone (download Kindle app), you can download Bible in 90 days. If find yourself having to wait 10 minutes somewhere, you can whip out your phone and read.

    1. Thanks for the good tip! I’m excited for your church group to start reading next week! You know I have a special spot in my heart for y’all.

      Note to the rest of you: Cindy is facilitating a group at the church where I first facilitated Bible in 90 Days. :)

  38. Amy, that was an excellent word of encouragement! Thank you again for hosting such an event that truly moves the heart of God. Let us continue to build one another up so that we may know Him and glorify Him more! Blessings!
    .-= Lauren´s last blog ..Break fro B90Days Post =-.

    1. Thank you for your encouragement. :) I’m glad you are in!

  39. You must have read my post last night!!!! :)
    .-= Alicia´s last blog ..Making my Bible reading a priority =-.

  40. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alyssa, MomsToolbox, faithfamilyfibro, Katie {FrugalFemina}, topsy_top20k and others. topsy_top20k said: #B90Days readers: Getting frustrated yet? If so, pls read: http://bit.ly/7esLZG […]

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