when my kids were little I attended MOPS meetings at my church. At one meeting the speaker of the day asked us what our life verse is. A verse God had given me as a kid instantly came to mind. I didn’t even know what book of the Bible it was located. I quoted it to someone and they said it was in Ephesians, but that it can’t be my life verse. I thought well, God is the one who gave it to me so it certainly can. I also learned in a Bible study we did on spiritual gifts to serve the church that I have the gift of prophecy and discernment. So the verse goes very well with those spiritual gifts. It is also an important guide in these evil/last days. The verse is the reason for needing to put on the full armor of God.
Life verse:
Ephesians 6:12 NASB1995
[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Thus, Lesson for Life:
Ephesians 6:13 NASB1995
[13] Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Now, I know what my spiritual gifts are but using and exercising my spiritual gifts because of my life verse is a whole different matter. I fear Satan too much and I fear retaliation of people because I know Satan will show up and I to often doubt that God will. I have to remind myself that God is always with me. Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Reminding myself of what God has already done for me. Memorizing His promises. Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
One day I was getting off the monorail at Magic Kingdom during a Night of Joy event. A man in front of me had the verse Jeremiah 20:9 on the back of his shirt But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.”
I got so excited YES! That is exactly how having the gift of prophecy but refusing to exercise it feels like! When I focus on other people or Satan its so weaisom or burdensome. Instead, I have to focus on pleasing God. I have to obey God and speak it and let it out! I’m so used to being silent and refusing to speak of Him that it’s easier to express it in writing.