Your Life Passage
You’ve heard of the concept of having a life verse but what about a life passage? This week, I was responsible for buying the Christmas gift for our Sunday school teacher and I wanted it to be special. I went to a large Christian book store and gift shop and combed the aisles for the right piece of art bearing the perfect passage that described her.
I must have spent an hour mulling the decision over, praying the entire time for clear direction. There were a couple of pictures I narrowed it down to. I would place one into the shopping cart, walk around with it for a few minutes, then would take it out, putting the other picture into the cart.
I prayed again for guidance.
One picture kept speaking to me but it was a risk. It was bright blue, with the eye of a peacock feather predominantly placed on the canvas. The peacock itself has been associated with Christ because in ancient times there was a belief that the peacock’s flesh did not decay at death, symbolizing immortality. The feathers represent the all-seeing eye of God.
The symbolism of the peacock was beautiful; however, it was the passage on the picture that struck me the hardest.
From Isaiah 61: 1-3:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
It was perfect. Every week, our teacher prepared and brought us good news from the Word that provided us, as a class, freedom and release from darkness. It was her calling to dig into the meaning of Scripture and encourage us through what she’d learned. Isaiah 61: 1-3 described her witness, so it was the peacock art that finally made it to the checkout line.
What passage in the Bible describes you? Which one speaks to your heart? You don’t have to worry about picking one from a limited selection at a Christian book store. You’ve got the entire Bible to work with.
I have long claimed Jeremiah 29:11 as my life verse, but today I asked the Lord for a passage and this is what he gave me from Hebrews 12:1-3:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Perhaps it’s a passage that speaks to you as well. When life gets hard and you feel weary, the Lord wants you to persevere. Remember, he understands everything you’re going through. Pain, suffering, hurt, loss, temptation and betrayal. When you experience a trial, you are sharing in Jesus’ suffering. Through Christ, trial can transform into triumph. That will preach!
This might not be the right passage for you. Pray the Holy Spirit will whisper one in your ear, then memorize it and speak it back to yourself when you need encouragement.
Read the Word. Claim the Word. Live the Word.
That’s what a life passage is about. It’s about our mission. It’s what we need to get through today. It’s who we are.