Struggles and Scripture

Virtually no one skates through life trouble-free. Surprises, sorrow, setbacks, stress, strife, struggle — no one is exempt! One of the countless advantages for the Christian in times of turmoil is having specific promises, given by God Himself, for specific problems — promises that come to pass every time! Fact is, there is not even one struggle, common to human experience, that isn’t addressed in the Bible! That means God has a promise we can claim and see fulfilled for every crisis we may face. While the circumstance itself may not be reversible (e.g. death of a loved one), there will be a timely, relevant promise (often multiple promises) we can claim and then see God honor — in His time.

Following are some of the many Bible passages I have clung to in time of great need — and seen God come through in ways consistent with the promise! Personally, I’ve found it helpful to write the verses down on small cards (e.g. the back side of business cards), memorize them, then review them often.

Assurance of Salvation

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life” I John 5:11-13.

God Desires Life And Blessing For Us

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10.

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun” Ecclesiastes 8:15.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” Psalm 27:13-14.

Dealing With Fear

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10.

“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared” Proverbs 3:25-26.

Victory

“‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the LORD” Isaiah 54:17.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” I Corinthians 10:13.

Self-Control

“But you, keep your head [a clear mind] in all situations; endure hardship” II Timothy 4:5.

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world” I Peter 1:13.

Spiritual Warfare/Victory

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen” I Peter 5: 8-11.

God’s Word

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” Joshua 1:8.

“If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life” Psalm 119:92-93.

Moving On

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19a

“…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14.

Anxiety

“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you” I Peter 5:7.

“…those who hope in Me will not be disappointed” Isaiah 49:23.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27.

“…What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do” Isaiah 49:23.

Consecration/Obedience

“I will behave wisely and follow the way of integrity…I will walk in my house in integrity and with a blameless heart. I will set no worthless or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the practice of those who fall away [from the right path]; It will not grasp hold of me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not tolerate evil” Psalm 101:2-4.

Chuck McCament

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