When Half the Story Isn’t Enough

This week, I was reminded of an important lesson about television viewing etiquette. Never—and I mean never—start watching a show until you've verified that all seasons are available for your binge-watching pleasure.

I made this grave error recently when I stumbled upon what seemed like a charming drama series. The characters were compelling, the plot twists unexpected, and before I knew it, I was thoroughly invested. While it wasn't the greatest show in the world, I was definitely enjoying it.

Then came the Season 2 finale. In the closing minutes of the episode, one of the main characters goes into labor while another gets engaged. And then, there’s the discovery of a crashed fishing boat and the announcement that three people are now missing and possibly dead. Cue the shock, the tears, and the overwhelming urge to start the next season, even though it was time for bed.

That’s when my world came crashing down. Season 3 wasn't available. Not on any of our streaming services nor online. Not anywhere I could legally access it. And this wasn’t even a new show; the third season had aired back in 2018!

I sat there, remote in hand, mouth agape, experiencing what I can only describe as television abandonment issues. I had invested hours in this show, only to be left feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.

This frustrating experience reminded me of something far more significant than my entertainment woes. How many people approach God's Word in the same way, consuming bits and pieces without getting the full story?

They read about God's judgment without His mercy. They focus on His commands without understanding His love. They see the cliffhangers without seeking the resolution.

The Bible isn't meant to be experienced in fragments. It's one beautiful, cohesive narrative that begins with "In the beginning" and culminates with "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Every part connects to create the greatest story ever told.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."

When we take Scripture out of context or never progress past the familiar passages, we miss the richness of God's complete revelation. We get stuck at the cliffhangers without experiencing the divine resolution.

Perhaps you've been living with spiritual cliffhangers: Does God really love me? Is there purpose in my suffering? Can I truly be forgiven? The answers are there, but they require reading the whole story.

Unlike my television disappointment, God's Word is fully accessible. Nothing is missing. No season has been removed from streaming. The complete narrative of redemption awaits you.

So don't leave those spiritual threads dangling. Press on to know the Lord in the fullness of His revelation. The resolution to life's greatest questions isn't being withheld from you. It's waiting to be discovered in the pages you haven't yet turned.

Unlike my TV show predicament, this is one story where you’ll never be left hanging.