Bible Passages that Have Carried Me Through My Life's Journey

In Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we have to eat or drink. He reminds us that God takes care of even the birds who do not toil for their food. He tells us that what we should be concerned with is our spiritual life. These words took on greater meaning for me when my two oldest children were still infants.

My husband had been laid off from his job during a time when the unemployment rate was high. It took him over a year to find a new job. During this time, making ends meet was very difficult. We beg, borrowed and were on the verge of stealing just to survive. My youngest son had a immune system deficiency that kept him from absorbing certain nutrients. He was put on a very expensive formula that we could hardly afford. Finally, things started looking up. My husband got a job in a neighboring state and left us behind until he could get us a place to live. It was during this time that I found myself with an empty cupboard and no formula for my youngest son. I had asked my mom and everyone I knew for help but no one had the money to lend me. It was then that I remembered the verses in Matthew and I knelt down, and through tears I prayed. I reminded\God of what Jesus had said about the birds and I asked Him for his help. An hour later, I heard a knock on my door and a stranger appeared with ten bags of groceries and the money that I needed to buy my son the formula that he needed. I had witnessed a miracle. Later, I found out that the stranger who appeared at my door was part of my mom's prayer group. When she heard my mom pray for us, she knew that she had to help.



Ephesians 6:10-17 also hold special meaning for me. There was a time in my life that I felt the world was against me. Everything in my life had gone from good to a living hell. I lost three children. I was constantly at battle with my husband. We were evicted from our home and I didn't know where we would end up. I prayed as I always had and couldn't find any answers. I went to a Bible study group with a friend and I heard the passage from Ephesians. In this passage, we are told to armor ourselves with God's armor so that we can fight against the devil. He tells us it is not the world we are fighting against, and that He and his Word are all that we need to win our battles with the devil on earth. These words helped to bolster my faith and gave me the strength I needed to come through those dark days.



Since that time long ago when I found my cupboard bare and the Lord filled them up, I have had worried about very little. The only thing that I worry about is when I or one of my kids gets really hurt or ill. I trust God will provide my every need but I know one day He will take me and my children to heaven. My biggest fear is of dying. It is not that I fear death; it is the getting there that worries me. When I begin to worry about death, I always read the Psalm 23. I find strength in the words "Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil,

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."



Whenever I truly need or want something, I remember what Jesus said in Matthew 18:19 '" When two or more ask something in His name it will be done. When my family has a special need, we gather together and pray for it. Often it is granted. Sometimes He still says no.



My favorite passage of all was the one given to me at my confirmation '" John 3:16 "For God so loved the For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It says it all.



*Bible passages from New International Version