“I love this Arnie! For me, the Bible is God’s love letter to His creation and a roadmap (GPS) for how to successfully navigate to our ultimate destination: Heaven. My favorite verse is Joshua 1:9: ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ That verse guided me through my Cancer battle 29 years ago this month and gave me supernatural courage in the face of a very uncertain time.”
Bottom line Upfront: Jesus transforms lives through Scripture! When I asked, you incredible people out there responded with your favorite Scripture passage and why. Thank you for answering in such a powerful way! Here are more of the highlights.
When a mother watched her two-year-old daughter battle a malignant brain tumor, she clung to Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart….” Amidst the suffering, a miraculous moment unfolded—her child, who had not spoken for weeks, suddenly sang Joy to the World in her hospital bed. In that sacred moment, faith overcame fear, and trust in God’s sovereign plan took precedence over doubt.
One believer, gripped by paralyzing fear, found solace in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse transformed moments of anxiety into opportunities for faith, reinforcing the truth that fear does not come from God, but strength does. Similarly, another found unwavering hope in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Whether climbing Denali in Alaska or overcoming the chains of addiction, many shared this verse as a declaration that victory was possible, not through personal willpower but through Christ’s strength.
One family felt the undeniable presence of God when they took a leap of faith, leaving behind their career and home to follow the call to attend Bible school. In a time when homes were slow to sell, theirs was under contract in just three days! And they praised God for another affirmation that they were walking in step with His divine plans. Their anchor through this transition was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” What seemed impossible became reality, orchestrated by God’s unseen hand.
For another, Psalm 34:18 became a beacon of comfort in the face of heartbreaking loss: “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Grieving the death of their grandchild, this verse reminded them that even in sorrow, God was intimately present and offering healing in the midst of devastation. Through their pain, they found the strength to support others and how to share the same comfort they had received.
In a season of physical and spiritual exhaustion, another person discovered the power of Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” While being confronted with illness and spiritual attack, others shared how they found this verse to be a constant reminder that God never abandons His people, even in the most trying times.
Another testimony reflects the sustaining power of Romans 12:12: “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and steadfast in prayer.” This verse carried someone through the uncertainties of life—illness, financial strain, and strained relationships. In choosing to hold on to hope, to endure suffering with patience, and to pray with unwavering faith, they found resilience they never thought possible.
For a soldier returning from deployment, the dissonance between wartime ministry and peacetime church life felt like a void. The lack of urgency in the faith community left them restless, but Ecclesiastes 4:12 became a revelation: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This truth reshaped their understanding of faith—not as a solo mission, but as a battle fought alongside others—where God was the unbreakable third strand.
The power of Scripture does not merely provide comfort in suffering or strength in trials—it transforms lives. One individual, facing immense personal struggles, found themselves in and out of psychiatric hospitals, wrestling with a darkness they could not understand. Proverbs 3:5-8 became their foundation, assuring them that even when their mind betrayed them, God’s wisdom remained steadfast. Another, burdened by guilt and regret, discovered the freedom of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” No longer shackled by past failures, God’s grace is greater than any sin or mistake.
One of the most striking testimonies came from a man, who while working on his property, narrowly escaped death when a heavy piece of machinery inexplicably moved toward him. Mere seconds stood between life and a tragic accident. The realization that his life had been spared changed him forever! Psalm 90:12 became his guiding verse: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Under a renewed sense of purpose, he embraced the urgency of sharing the Gospel, knowing that each breath is a gift—never guaranteed.
These stories are all glimpses of the transformative power of God’s Word at work in many lives. Each Scripture passage—whether a source of comfort, strength, guidance, or conviction—demonstrates that Scripture is not just an ancient text, but a living and active force. It meets people where they are at their deepest valleys or highest peaks. Always reminding each person that they are not alone, they are loved, and that God is always at work.
Be encouraged! No matter where you are in life, there is a verse (with the Holy Spirit’s help) waiting to speak to you. Receive it, reflect on it, and respond it into your life by taking action on what you’ve learned. Then, don’t just hold onto it—let it do more change in your life by revealing it to someone who needs Jesus.
If you haven’t had a chance to send your favorite verse, and how God used it to motivate or help you, please take some time and reply now. I look forward to hearing from you!Send your comments to me here.
-Arnie
