The perfection of God's Word is seen in its power to transform. It not only instructs the mind but converts the soul. It brings sinners to repentance, guides the humble into wisdom, and gives direction to the lost. The word "perfect" means complete, whole, lacking nothing—God's Word contains everything we need for life and godliness. The word "sure" means trustworthy, reliable, firm—we can stake our lives on Scripture's promises because they never fail.

In 1800, fifteen-year-old Mary Jones lived in rural Wales in grinding poverty. Her father had died when she was four, leaving her widowed mother to struggle alone. But Mary had learned to read in the charity schools organized by Methodist preachers, and she developed an overwhelming desire for one treasure: a Bible of her own. The nearest copy she could read was at a farm two miles away, and she walked there regularly just to read a few verses. But owning a Bible seemed impossible—Welsh Bibles were scarce and expensive. Still, Mary began saving every penny she earned from odd jobs. For six long years she scrimped and saved, denying herself everything except necessities. Finally, at age fifteen, she had enough. One spring morning in 1800, she walked twenty-six miles barefoot over mountainous terrain to the town of Bala, where Reverend Thomas Charles had Bibles for sale. When she arrived, Charles told her sadly that he had just promised his last Bible to someone else. Mary burst into tears. She had saved six years and walked twenty-six miles, certain God would provide. Charles was so moved by her devotion that he gave her his personal copy, saying, "For Christ's sake, I must do it!" Mary's story so convicted Charles that he proposed forming a society to provide Bibles for all Wales. In 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society was founded, eventually distributing over 200 million Bibles worldwide. All because one poor girl treasured God's Word above everything else.

Prayer: Perfect Lord, thank You that Your Word is complete, trustworthy, and powerful to transform. Give us Mary's hunger for Scripture. Help us to sacrifice, to seek, and to treasure Your Word above all earthly possessions. Convert our souls and make us wise. Amen.