God Created You and Chose You
Jeremiah 1:5 (ICB)
Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
You are God’s Child, His Family
1 John 3:1 (NIV)
The Father has loved us so much! He loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world do not understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him.
Ephesians 2:19 (Amp)
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household.
God’s Spirit Lives in You
1 Corinthians 3:16 (ICB)
You should know that you yourselves are God’s temple. God’s Spirit lives in you.
Ephesians 2:22 (Amp)
In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
God is Near and Understands Your Pain:
Psalm 34:17-18 (ICB)
The Lord hears good people when they cry out to him. He saves them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.
Suffering is only temporary
1 Peter 1:6 (ICB)
But now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad.
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives all grace. He called you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever.
God Prepares Us for Our Purpose
Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Jeremiah 29: 11-13 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
James 1:3-4 (ICB)
You know that these things are testing your faith. And this will give you patience. 4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete. You will have everything you need.
God Strengthens Our Faith
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
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.
1 Peter 4:12 (ICB)
My friends, do not be surprised at the painful things you are now suffering. These things are testing your faith. So do not think that something strange is happening to you.
God Will Never Leave You
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
God’s Timing is Perfect
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (Amp)
There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—
Trust God’s Plan
Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amp)
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].