I’ve been a Christian for a few years now, and have been learning on a daily basis just what exactly that means. It’s not a simple belief – no, it’s lifestyle that revolves around the truth of the Gospel and trying to share it with others in my life.
But it’s not exactly the easiest thing in the world, either. That’s why my Scripture memory box (Hey, Psalm 119:9, 11!) has a label: “The Armory.” Because without proper equipement, a soldier can’t fight well.
Here’s a few suggestions that have helped me recently…I hope they give you a boost, as well!
James 1:2-4 (ESV) says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
This verse is helpful to think about when times are rough – tough times make us tougher! And whenever our faith is pushed, we become that much better for it, because our tendencies to sin are slowly stripped away as we must become more dependent on Christ.
Also see: II Corinthians 4:16-17 (points out that our present troubles don’t last long)
The NIV version says ‘endurance’ instead of ‘steadfastness’ in case that helps alleviate any possible confusion.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) is well-quoted in the church, and for good reason: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
It’s easy to get confused in life – what should I be doing? Am I being as strategic as possible with my ministry? Where does this lead 3-5 years from now? Too often, people (including myself!) get bogged down playing the what-if game with our current situations. But this verse points out one simple fact: God has a plan! If we don’t know it yet, then we aren’t supposed to, but we can take confidence that it will be for our good.
Side note: Don’t interpret this as “I will get lots of money and wealth.” Because that’s a completely improper way to view this, and is the foundation for a false teaching known as the “Prosperity Gospel.” Something being ‘good’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘good by today’s societial standards.’
Also see: Romans 8:32 , which says “Since God did not spare even his own son, but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” This speaks to God being a father figure to us all, a provider, who has already given us the pathway to salvation through Christ. Note there isn’t doubt in this verse, but complete confidence!
Also see: Matthew 6:25-33 (God provides for the flowers and birds, so will he not also provide for us?)
Finally, you can’t get more inspiring than Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the Gospel in one sentence! The payment we earn by ourselves is spiritual death, or eternal separation from God. Yet if we simply accept God’s gift by believing Jesus Christ died on a cross for our screwups, and then live out a life that attempts to follow God’s commands and showing Christ’s love to others because of God’s love for us….then those mess ups don’t matter. They’ve been erased! It doesn’t matter how bad you’ve done, because it is an eternal clean slate.
It may seem basic, but then again, everything in the Bible revolves around the Gospel. So why not remind ourselves every day about why we can be so joyful?
To save time, here are a few other verses you might find helpful and encouraging, regarding a few topics:
Marriage – 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Fellowship – Romans 1:12, 1 Corinthians 12:26
Time studying God’s word – Joshua 1:8
The Gospel – Romans 5:8, Titus 3:5
Our mission – Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
Discipleship – II Timothy 2:2
Worrying – Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7
Our gifts – 1 Peter 4:10
Sin – Romans 3:23
Made in God’s image – Genesis 1:26-27