God gave us his Word so that we may know him and live by his truth. So what should we do when we are reading the Bible and a difficult passage stops us in our tracks?

Sometimes the solution is right there on the page, if we know where to look; other passages become clear only in the light of the rest of Scripture or their historical background. With the help of an experienced guide a reader can get past the obstacles rather than quietly skipping them, which is what most of us do instead.