Everyone has a Bible verse that they live by, that inspires them, or that has changed them in some way. I became a born again Christian at the age of 17, and at that point began to read the Bible thoroughly. I became inspired by Luke 23:43 KJV, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today though shalt be with me in paradise.”
I was going through a rough time in my life, and often wondered what would happen to me when I died. I had grown up in a religious environment, but had not really given it much thought. But at that time, I was convinced that I would be going to Hell for all eternity because I did not fell truly in God’s presence. I broke down, and wasn’t able to get over it right away. I had began reading the Bible, starting in Matthew and just kept reading. Thats when I found this verse. That all I had to do was believe into Jesus that he is Lord, and I would be with him in paradise when I died.
After more reading and studying, I found more verses that truly inspired me to live differently that I had. Roman 8:14-17 KJV reads ” For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also glorified together.” After reading and praying over these verses, I realized that by being born again, and regenerated, I am a son of God, and a joint-heir with Christ. That this life is full of suffering but at the end, will inherit the kingdom.
These two verses really inspired me to do more with my life. I want to live my life as a son of God, one who suffers as Christ suffered. My reward is not earthly, but heavenly, and will come when this life ends.