Of all the post topics suggested by readers, one stood out as especially close to my heart: mbmom11’s question — What are your favorite Bible verses, parables, or books, and why?
Someone asking me to talk about Jesus? I’m in.
Let’s start with a few quick and simple questions.
- If I had to pick a favourite book of the Bible, it would be Ecclesiastes.
- If I had to choose a single favourite verse, it would be 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.“
I feel fragile — and strangely comforted by that fact. This verse reminds me that any good I do is by Him, through Him, and for Him.
- If I had to reflect on the most impactful Christian resource in my life it would be The Bible Recap by Tara Leigh Cobble, followed by the story of Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom, as told in her book The Hiding Place.
I grew up in a Christian home. My father was a pastor. I attended every church event with a smile on my face, wearing a neatly ironed dress. I said the prayers. I sang the songs. And yet, I didn’t have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
I find it difficult to share my faith story — not because I’m ashamed, but because I don’t have what I sometimes refer to as a “Road to Damascus” conversion story.*
(*A reference to Saul/Paul’s powerful encounter with God in Acts 9.)
I know Christ has saved me through His deep love and grace. I know I’m beloved by Him and redeemed. But I often wish I had a clear moment of transformation. I can’t point to a specific date and say, That’s the day I truly believed.
What I can point to are three specific Scriptures — on three specific dates — that marked clear God moments in my life. As I get older, more and more of these moments show up, and they anchor me. I’ve seen God’s power before, and that gives me courage for the future.
MY FAVOURITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
2021–2024 were the hardest years of my life. We were walking through an ongoing (and largely “unsolvable”) interpersonal situation. Last summer, something happened that impacted everything in an unexpected and tragic way.
At the time, I was reading through Isaiah. Honestly? I thought it was drier than an old piece of toast. But after tragedy hit, every single verse seemed to speak directly to my soul.
We were facing an agonizing decision and had absolutely no idea what to do. That very day, the answer came in a clear and practical way. And less than an hour later, I read these verses:
Isaiah 30:20–21
Though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will see your Teacher. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
After years of ambiguity and uncertainty, I read those words right after we received an incredibly clear answer to a question/decision we’d been struggling with. I was almost speechless.
Just a few days later, I came across these verses:
Isaiah 43:1–4
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God…you are precious in my eyes, and honoured, and I love you. I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.
Then there was the muggy July day I walked into our local hospital for a routine ultrasound — and walked out with the news that there was a high likelihood our unborn child would have life-long health complications.
I wish I could say I rejoiced, trusted, and remembered not to be anxious.
But mostly I cried. A lot.
I begged God to “let this cup pass from me.”
From that moment in July until my scheduled C-section in November, I didn’t feel peace for a single waking moment. The night before surgery I couldn’t sleep. I opened my Bible and landed on Philippians 4, and committed this passage to memory:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As we drove to the hospital, my whole body was trembling. The situation was surreal and terrifying.
Then, a little God moment: a nurse we knew — from our church — was assigned to my case. She worked in orthopaedics, was nearing retirement, and never worked in Labour and Delivery. But God orchestrated her presence for that moment.
Even still, I was terrified and my heart was anything but peaceful.
Lying on the operating table, I began reciting Philippians 4 in my head:
The Lord is near.
Let your gentle spirit be known to all.
The Lord is near.
The peace of God will guard your heart and mind.
The Lord is near.
And in that instant, a supernatural calm washed over me. I’ve never experienced anything like it — before or since.
For the first time in my life, I didn’t just believe the Lord was near.
I felt it.
And it remains one of the most spiritually transformative moments of my life.
Faith, for me, hasn’t been a lightning-bolt moment or a single mountaintop experience. It’s been slow and steady, full of questions, quiet whispers, and unexpected moments of grace. I used to think that a “real” testimony needed drama or a date on the calendar. But I’m learning that walking with Jesus is often less about one big moment and more about a lifetime of small ones.
God speaks — through the Bible, through people, through circumstances — and sometimes, through silence in an operating room. And when He does, it’s unforgettable.
Maybe you’re in the middle of one of those hard seasons right now. Maybe you’re still waiting for peace, or clarity, or healing.
I don’t have all the answers. But I know this:
The Lord is near.
He’s near when we’re confused.
He’s near when we’re terrified.
He’s near when we feel broken and uncertain and undone.
And for me His peace really does surpass all understanding.
I realize this is a fairly niche post as many readers don’t share my faith, but I’d love to hear from anyone and everyone! (And thanks again to mbmom11 for the question that prompted my answers above…)
- Are you currently in a season of waiting or uncertainty?
- What’s one promise that you’re holding onto right now?
- Have you ever experienced a time when the Bible came “alive” in a way you didn’t expect?
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Oh boy, yes, I’m in a period of waiting and uncertainty.
I try to hold onto the promise that God is walking through this season with me. When I had breast cancer, had no anxiety about it- I felt like God was holding me in the palm of His hand. I had comfort and found so much good in that period. ( As much as I do not like the hymn, Be Not Afraid, it really describes what I believe.)
My favorite verse is Wisdom 7:7-11. It includes ” … I chose her ( wisdom) rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep…” I probably messed up the quote – but you get the gist.
I’m glad I asked you a very thought- provoking question!
Thanks for asking the question (and sorry it took so long for me to answer!)
Each of us faces many periods of life that are full of uncertainty and hardship. In the middle, it can seem so very bleak. It’s cliche to say those trials are when we tend to grow and develop the most spiritually, but it’s true. But oh how hard it can be to withstand the pain and suffering (or watch those we love suffering).
What a beautiful and powerful post, Elisabeth. I especially loved how you described faith as a lifetime of small moments rather than one dramatic mountaintop transformation. It’s such a comforting and relatable truth.
I was so glad to see Philippians 4 show up! It’s one of my all-time favourite passages too. During a tough time with my younger brother, those verses were very helpful – especially the reminder not to be anxious, and to trust that everything will be fine in the end.
And your story about Indy’s birth – wow. The fact that your friend was there as your nurse was amazing. Your experience is a lovely example of how peace isn’t the absence of fear, but God’s presence right in the thick of it. How does Indy feel when you tell him that story?
Also, a big thank you to mbmom11 for that brilliant question!
Philippians 4 is often “easier said than done” in terms of living it out, but what an important reminder to keep our eyes fixed in the right place. Also, Happy Things Friday is me trying to live out the Phil 4 “rejoicing” in a habitual, impactful way!
I haven’t talked about the deeper spiritual significance of his birth with Indy yet, because I didn’t think he’s old enough to grasp just how worried we were, but I bet now he COULD so I should chat with him. Indy feels emotions deeply, so I think he’ll really appreciate the significance of the moment.
I love every word of this post, Elisabeth. So many God moments. I love the way He reveals Himself to us through His word 🙂
I picture my life (literally sometimes) like a basket, adding in little God moments like bouquets of flowers. Over time, it just keeps getting more full and beautiful <3
Beautiful post, Elisabeth! i love the personal stories you shared. I knew the story of your pregnancy with Indy- how did that resolve? Like, after he was born did the doctor say “Oh, actually everything is fine, false alarm!” Or was it a gradual realization that he was just fine? What a hard thing to go through!
I don’t share your faith, but I do know those moments when I’m worrying about something, and then a feeling of calm comes over me and I know that everything will be okay. That’s one of the driving beliefs of my life- everything will be okay in the end.
It was fairly immediate. We had a paediatrician in the OR (they had talked about us needing to deliver at the children’s hospital in Halifax, but in the end agreed to let me deliver at our “home” hospital with a paed present). They were able to rule out some things based on how he presented at birth, and then in a few follow-up standard doctor appointments and routine blood tests the rest was confirmed. It was so hard, and it was compounded by being in the middle of starting out life as entrepreneurs (read: no job security and very little financial stability). It was a true test of faith and in some ways I felt like I failed (feeling no peace in the lead up), but looking back I can see the deep, positive spiritual impact of that time.
My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:4: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” I try to remember to be a stream that makes glad.
I also lean into Isaiah 32:17: “The work of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever” I figure quiet confidence is a good thing to have.
Fun post. Always great to find out what inspires someone. Thanks for sharing.
Love the imagery of that Psalm (aren’t Psalms just delightful for all the senses!)
And I say Amen to quiet confidence <3
This was so beautiful, Elisabeth. I love how honest and vulnerable and convicted you are when you write about your faith. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and these impactful Bible verses!
Thanks, Suzanne. It warms my heart to get such kind, understanding feedback, recognizing and respecting the diversity of faith (or lack thereof) represented in this online space <3
@mbmom11, where is the book “Wisdom” in your Bible?? Sounds wonderful, and although there are books called “wisdom books” in the Bible, I’ve never heard of one by that title. Enlighten me, please!
Oh wow, I LOVE Ecclesiastes, and have never heard anyone else say it is their favorite!
My story is similar—no road to Damascus moment, just a gradual growing into a solid relationship. It took years (okay, decades, honestly) before I could understand the relationship part. How can one have a relationship if prayer is a monologue? I’ve spent years looking into how one hears from God. Priscilla Shirer’s studies, something by Dallas Willard, and John Eldredge have all been very helpful on this topic. My experiences feel too personal to put on the World Wide Web, and I commend and thank you for your openness.
Ecclesiastes is just chockablock full of relatable material. I think as a pessimist, it really sings to my soul <3
I have come to understand we hear from God in many ways. Sometimes it does feel literal; an unexpected answer to prayer that is so direct it hits like a lightening bolt (I can think of two specific examples when this has happened in my life and transformed me). Other times, it's through other people. Nature. Scripture. Music. It is a two-way conversation, but the communication happens in such unique ways. And I think it's key to quiet our hearts to be able to hear Him "speak"...and that's HARD!
This was a very touching post. Thank you for sharing. I grew up similar to you, except my dad was not a preacher. We are Catholic, and I attended Catholic school from 1st grade thru college. Coach and I share our strong faith. Like you, I don’t really remember when exactly I embraced my faith and when it became ‘my own’ and not something that my parents expected. If I had to pinpoint a moment, I’d say a high school retreat that I went on as a senior was very impactful. I listen to a daily rosary podcast and I find it to be very compelling and full of wisdom. I’m always amazed at how the message often links to something specific in my life at that moment. I have leaned on my faith throughout my life, and I can’t imagine not having a faith to offer me comfort, guidance, and support. Right now, I’d say I’m asking God to guide me and give me patience in my role as Kay and Rae’s mom, and to watch over and protect all of our kids, and to continue to heal my dad.
Back in 2019-ish, I attended a wedding mass for our friends’ daughter. Her parents are amazing people, and I consider them my spiritual advisors. It was a beautiful service and the priest is a close friend of the bride’s parents. He’s an outstanding priest, always with a wonderful message. We were grappling with our adoption goal/situation, and near the end of the mass I felt something, like a wave of something. I got to my car after the mass and found myself saying, ‘Yes, show me the way, and I will follow.’ I believe the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. I teared up, and kept nodding on my drive home, thinking OK, I’m ready.
I like all of your bible verses. I think my favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
My favorite bible story is the one when young Jesus is lost and Mary and Joseph return to find him preaching at the temple, and he points out that he wasn’t lost – he was in his Father’s house.
I did not know the story of your pregnancy with Indy. How challenging. The photo of Belle kissing his little face – so sweet.
That story of Jesus in the temple always gives me chills.
I have also always loved the story of Jesus healing the women with the “issue of blood.” Can you imagine her shame and the sheer physical burden of gynaecological problems in that day? Having battled with a menstrual disorder for decade, I have such a soft spot in my heart for this woman so desperate for healing who had nothing left to give to the problem but her faith and that faith was what led to her being healed. Oh and the “he who is without sin cast the first stone.” That’s genius, right!!
@ Central Calif. Artist Jana,
It’s the Book of Wisdom, or the Wisdom of Solomon, but it’s in the Ronan Catholic Bible. I think the Protestant faiths categorize it as Apocrypha.
This was beautiful, Elisabeth. ❤️
Thanks, friend <3
I love seeing your niche side!
I’ve had a less successful experience with faith and scripture, but I love seeing the impact in other people’s lives. Even though “I’m not religious” I have picked up a bible from time to time and come across something profound that I needed in the moment.
I love everything about this! ❤️
@ MBMOM11, is that what the Apocrypha is? The Wisdom of Solomon? I grew up Presbyterian, have heard of the Apocrypha and of the Wisdom of Solomon, but never put it together. Thanks for explaining.
Beautiful post, Elisabeth. I do not have a favourite Bible verse, although I have been known to say “Jesus wept” from time to time. I do however have a favourite hymn, although it’s been many years since I have been to church, and that is How Great Thou Art. I think about it all the time when I’m in nature. I do not identify as a Christian anymore, but I don’t NOT identify as a Christian either, if that makes sense (I celebrate Christmas and I think that Jesus was a great spiritual teacher). My story is long, complicated, and ultimately boring so I will spare you. But I do think often “then sings my soul.”
The crescendo of so many hymns (but especially How Great Thou Art) give me chills!!
Faith is complicated but never boring; ultimately, I believe what we believe is the most important decision we make in our lives so never feel like you need to spare me!
And, like you, nature is a place where I sense God most closely. In the symmetry of nature, the rush of the wind, seeing the ocean waves. I think it makes me realize just how tiny I am in the sheer scope of things and I find it a cleansing reset of sorts.
I so admire the strong faith that you have! I have felt varying levels of connection to my faith and ultimately changed faiths this past year but it’s a touchy subject as my parents don’t really know. Phil thinks they do know but I am not sure. They are glad the boys are in religion classes (which they love) and I hope they accept the choice I’ve made.
My fave verse will also be the Jeremiah ‘I know the plans I have for you’ verse. It has brought me comfort during challenging periods of my life!!
That verse in Jeremiah is such a wonderful promise and reminder! For many years that would have been my go-to response, as well!!
It is hard to navigate topics of faith with family who have different views from our own.
Some of my favourites are Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 91, psalm 24 (especially verse 1), psalm 104, John 11:25 and John 14:6. A verse that’s been really meaningful to me lately is “blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” We sing it in church every Sunday when we sing the Beatitudes and it has stood out to me so much since I miscarried in May. I believe that my lost little one sees God, and it gives me a lot of comfort.
That’s an incredible story about Indy’s birth. I’m so glad he ended up being ok.
I am in a place of waiting and uncertainty right now. I’m praying for peace and joy.
Grief and loss are such dark, sad places. And while God comforts and speaks to us in those seasons, sometimes He can also seem silent and far from us. Waiting and uncertainty are hard. And, sometimes, it may only be when we’re through that particular valley that we can see how God was beside us all the way.
I once read that over certain periods of our life God writes “Will explain later.” To a non-Christian this likely sounds like a get out of jail free card of sorts, for a God who seems to be heavy-handed and cruel. But in my own life, every single challenging season has brought about something that has developed my faith.
Do I wish those things hadn’t happened? 100%. Do I wish the story had played out differently? Yes! Are there some things I will never, ever understand and get an “explanation” for? Yes! But so often I can look back and see God’s love and care clearly during a season of pain.
@MBMOM11, Thank you! Yes, the Apocrypha is what Protestants call the books that are in the Catholic Bible but not ours. Now I need to get a Catholic Bible to read the book the Wisdom of Solomon.
I didn’t know this either!
Thanks for this post Elisabeth. I love to hear how God is working in people’s lives. I had a time when I was reading Job, and I was just struck anew by how mysterious and awesome God is. It was accompanied by a physical sensation/feeling (I’m not sure how to describe), but, that experience has stuck with me and also inspired me to go deeper into the bible and my faith. My favourite verse is Is 40:31 “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I also think about Rom 12:2 a lot “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
It can be hard to describe the sensations of “God moments” but they are so very powerful!
the Book of Wisdom was removed from the protestant Bible and is only found in Catholic and Orthodox Bible texts. 🙂
Perhaps this post isn’t as niche as you might think when you are writing it – perhaps the fact that you are writing it from such a specific place, is what makes it so moving and of interest to everyone? For me, hearing people’s epiphanies and moments of light can be inspiring regardless of the faith background. And I do like hearing about people’s faith backgrounds because I think it’s such a personal story.
Okay, did you ever see that episode of Little House on the Prairie where Ma is home by herself and hurts her leg, and turns to the Bible for support and opens to the verse in Matthew that says, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. ” and she, in her injured delirium she takes a knife and cuts her leg. And then faints. And then it turns out that cutting her leg at that moment saved her life because it let the infection out, or something like that. That episode has always stuck with me. But there you go – you can find what you need in scripture.
I think I’ve seen every episode of Little House but so many years ago and sadly do NOT remember this one, but…wow! I can see why it stuck with you.
This is a beautiful post, Elizabeth. I do not follow a particular faith; however, your comment “is often less about one big moment and more about a lifetime of small ones” resonated with me. I remember so clearly a day down at the park with my daughter where I came to the realization that a good and happy life was a series of small moments and that I was having one at that time. I have continued to remember that and enjoy those small moments that happen and appreciate them for the gift they are.
Your comment reminded me of a trip to the beach several years ago. I still remember the stretch of road we were driving on. It was a sunny, warm day and the kids were both content in the back seat and I remember it was almost like time slowed down for a few minutes and everything seemed crystal clear around me and it felt like every cell in my body was happy. It was such an odd sensation, but as soon as you mentioned your time at the park, that memory came to mind! It was fleeting, but has stuck with me ever since.
And you’re right; moments like this and, for me, moments when I clearly sense God’s presence or guidance, are such a gift <3
Thank you for sharing! Possibly my favorite post of yours so far!
<3
Thank you for sharing your experiences and your verses!
I love this post. Your faith and love for Jesus just shines through.
At our local anti-Trump protest today, I took a picture of a sign that said, “Who Would Jesus Deport?” Right? NO ONE.
Like Jacquie above, I have had many small moments that remind me of the beauty of life. I keep them tucked away and pull the memories out when I need them. Need to calm down while donating blood*? Think of snorkeling with turtles in Hawai’i. That kind of thing.
*I don’t donate since my Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis, but I used to, and I HATED IT.
Oh, your fear with Indy must have been so wrenching. I had a 5 minute scare when I was pregnant, that perhaps Maya had Downs. My uncle had severe Downs, and was institutionalized and it drove my grandma to attempt suicide, and wow, that was a lot of trauma to deal with very quickly. Then they checked my dates and everything was OK. One of my close friends has a son with severe epilepsy, he is in his mid 30s but mentally about 1 and non-verbal. It has sorely tested her faith, but I suspect that at the end she came through it stronger, though they went through YEARS of really hard stuff trying to cope.
It makes me ever-so-sad to see what Christianity is so often linked with. Verses in the Bible could not be clearer about how we’re to treat people from foreign lands.
I do know, because of family members with children with severe disabilities, that it DOES make you a stronger person. But I also know the toll it takes on parents, marriages, finances etc. I felt so guilty about my feelings of fear because I knew we would have the capacity and network for love someone who might have physical and intellectual limitations. But it was scary!
What an uplifting, encouraging post! It is good to know that the Lord is near. This morning, I was reading the verse about nothing being too hard for the Lord, which pairs well with your verse, I think.
I am currently in a steady time but our sermon yesterday was about Joseph and the years of plenty. Our pastor pointed out that during times of plenty, it is wise to prepare for times of famine. Not just economic and physical, but also spiritual. So I’m filling up with the Word now so I’m ready for those times of uncertainty, listening to a Revive Our Hearts podcast series on Psalm 119 from earlier this summer.
Yes, I have had a couple of times when I felt the Lord practically shouting my name during my morning Bible reading, always in times when I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through the difficult circumstances I was facing. Isaiah 43:1-3 has sustained me many times and also Matthew 6:25-34.
Such wise insights. I also feel like after years of famine, I’m in a time of plenty, but know there will be times in dark valleys again. It’s important to shore up our fair in the good times. Though, admittedly, my faith has always grown the most through trials. Part of me oddly longs for challenges because I know there is a spiritual reward in the lessons learned. But, also, it’s terrifying. Like Paul, I need to learn how to live in times of want and plenty.