THE VERSES THAT CARRY US: REAL STORIES OF FAITH AND HOPE

“What’s your favorite verse? Why is it your favorite, and how has it shaped your life?” A few months ago, Arnie asked those questions to his email audience and the responses that came flooding in were powerful, honest, and full of hope! Want to be encouraged? Read on!

Here is how Linda Anderson discovered God’s hope and help in tough times ...

My favorite verse for the last two years has been ...

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. (Romans 12:12 CSB).

I was having one physical problem after another (COVID, kidney stones, vision problems, migraines, TMJ, COVID again)! When I found this verse, it helped to be more patient.

I listed all the things that God had brought me through and that helped me realize that He would bring me through again. I told myself; I can do this because I trust God. He only wants what's good for me.

Rejoicing in hope was difficult, but a friend told me that hope is the confident expectation of what God is going to do in this situation. I also realized that I can hope in what He is doing now.

This next verse helped with the rejoicing part:

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42: 5, NIV).

I love the little word "yet"! Even though I am sick, I will still praise God!

Scott Moore tells us about the incredible power of God’s presence through grief ...

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NKJV).

In the painful loss of our first grandson, Psalm 34:18 became a beacon of hope for my wife and me. This verse assured us that God was intimately close to us in our sorrow, offering His comforting presence when we felt most broken. This nearness gave us the strength to support our son and daughter-in law, helping us to be present and compassionate. Knowing that God was holding our hearts allowed us to extend His love and comfort to them.

Let this verse remind you that God is always near, offering His healing presence. Embrace His love, and let it guide you in bringing comfort to those who need it most.

Judy Ewing shares how God's promises lifted her from despair and transformed her life ...

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:1-3, ESV).

This was a lifeline as God was pulling me out of the pit of depression in 2010. That led to getting physically healthy and losing 100 pounds. That led to counseling to work through childhood issues. And all of that led to meeting my husband in 2013.

God is so good!

What can you tell us and others about your story? Take a moment to think about your favorite power verse(s). How have they carried you, challenged you, or changed you? How has it shaped your journey of faith? We would love to hear about it! Email Arnie at arnie.cole@backtothebible.org Remember, regardless of what situation you’ve been in, when you give God glory for what He’s done in your life, you never know how He will use your story to give hope and strength to others!