When Nate and I got married in 1969, Pastor Sweeting asked each of us for a favorite Bible verse he could incorporate into our wedding ceremony. As a 24-year-old, I looked ahead to the fairy tale life Nate and I would lead, unaware of the twists and turns we would have to take. So I told the pastor my favorite verse was 2 Samuel 22:33: “God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.” And that, along with Nate’s favorite, was the Scripture he used.
Life was perfect back then. I was a bride with a handsome groom looking toward endless bright tomorrows. Although I had only a perfunctory relationship with God, I thought my wedding verse summarized exactly how life would unfold: perfectly. At that moment, “my way was perfect,” though I don’t recall crediting God for any of it.
As the Lord would have it, though, life wouldn’t be the fairy-tale I’d envisioned. He loved me too much not to put some bumps on our road. In his view, hard times would be the reason I’d step closer to him.
Since those idyllic days of 1969, I’ve learned life may have brief moments of fairy tale happiness, but this side of heaven, that can’t be the theme. I’ve also learned that rough patches do have the capacity for joy buried in them.
In 2004 I was asked a second time about my favorite verse. Mom surprised us at her 90th birthday party, arriving with 23 gifts for her 3 children, 3 children-in-law, and 17 grandchildren: a Bible for each one, the style, translation and cover chosen to match the different personalities. Then she said, “Next year when I turn 91, the only birthday gift I want is for each of you to write down your favorite verse from your new Bible and tell me why.”
I didn’t have to think long. Although 2 Samuel 22:33 is still God’s inspired truth, the verse I’d needed most often in the 35 years since our wedding, had been a different one. Despite my fairy tale expectations in 1969, troubles had, indeed, found us, and I’d needed God’s practical help, as well as a way to find joy within struggles.
I found both by claiming my special verse: James 1:5.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God hopes his Word will come in handy for us. He says it’s alive and able to empower us to get through each dilemma that comes. As we use Scripture for everyday purposes we’re actually linking up with eternity, because God’s Word is established in heaven.
And maybe when we get there, instead of relying on one favorite verse, we’ll automatically have the whole Bible memorized, a grand finale’ unmatched by any fairy tale.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
So true…and isn’t it interesting that the language He wrote all His truth in is “backward” to us? So He does promise us a fairy tale ending, it’s just not here. And the path is twisted, and clouded and seems to lead nowhere. But just like those wedding pictures with youth and beauty and hope beaming from within, the promise of eternal bliss is guaranteed to those who let Him lead, and submit to His choices to finally reach the summit.
Love the picture Margaret, at the front of Moody church. My choice of scripture has changed through the years. Some I would have proudly claimed and had no idea the real depth of meaning it had and the real life challenge there would come.
Loved your Mom. What a precious gift she gave at that time. She was so very kind and enthusiastic with our son David when we came to Moody church. She directed the play depicting Moody and others in Chicago at the New England dinner.
God bless and thank you for sharing.
love, Beth
Margaret, in one of our phone calls, your Mom asked me about my grandchildren, and then suggested that I give each one a Bible, and do as she had done. Even though my Grands are being raised in Christian homes, she said they were my Mission Field, and I had more time to personally witness to them, share experiences, and be the Missionary. Every day, I think of Evelyn.
I love that verse too, especially the “generously to all without finding fault” part. It was so wonderful to see you. Love you!
So very true….and what I love about the Word of God….there’s a verse to meet every need, circumstance, situation, emotion, desire in this life on earth…it’s all there…in one ‘handbook’..written by a loving Father for us to follow. Som bein the practice earlier in life than others…and as the saying goes “too soon old….too late smart”. He always ‘catches’ us….at just the right moment.
Good post, Midge.