Word of God Speak

I still have construction dust on my knees, palms and under my fingernails.

Several weeks ago, our pastor began announcing that everyone should bring his or her favorite scripture verse written down on a slip of paper for this evening’s service. He intentionally gave no indication why we should do this. Our family was ready. I think Samuel’s first pick was from Exodus but David talked him into something, let’s just say, a bit more practical.

Toward the close of the service, our pastor gave the instruction that as a congregation we should leave the gymnasium where we are currently worshipping and move into the new auditorium—just across the parking lot. There we would find permanent markers and that we should write our favorite verses on the concrete floor of our new sanctuary.

We moved as a group of 200+ into the new building. Group by group we knelt, young and old, singles and married, and wrote our verses onto the floor. I was moved to such scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:55
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Verse after verse written on the floor as you enter, on the floor of sanctuary-to-be, and on the steps leading up to the platform…it was thrilling and emotional. Each of these verses tell a story. I don’t know all of them but I do know a few.

“ O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Written by woman in her 40’s, whose head is covered by ball cap to “hide” the on-going ravages of chemotherapy.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Written by a man, whose hair is gray and shoulders stooped with age. He fumbles to finish but he does….

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Written by a man, who took this verse as a promise to college and still clings to it everyday. I know him personally, for he is my husband.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” I know this story well for it is personal. It is mine.

Strange, perhaps to some but this became my “new” favorite verse when one night, very recently, while lying in bed, I became fearful of the fragility of my body and what it could mean to my family. David pulled my head onto his chest and began quoting Psalm 139. When he got to verse 14, the tears flowed as I was reminded again to praise God…for marvelous are (His) works…MARVELOUS are his works; and that my soul knoweth right well!!

My “story” combined with well over 200 testimonies written through the promises of God on the floor of our new building.

This chalk dust will easily wipe off, but I hope this night will remain in my heart and memories for a very long time.