“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)
Think about Paul’s words for a moment. In a world where youth suicide is the highest it has ever been, this passage is significant. We do not live in an ideal world, but through endurance and encouragement from the Scriptures, we can hope for such a place.
An unknown author wrote, “The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that comes along their way.” We can only make the best of everything if we endure through everything that comes our way. We can only endure through everything if we are encouraged to endure. Yet, we will only be encouraged if we have hope of better things to come. Then let us be honest and acknowledge that this world offers only temporary hope.
Well, I am not willing to place my eternal destiny on temporary hope. Are you? Isn’t it an amazing blessing that we do not have to? When we think about the Lord and all he’s done for us; it makes one want to shout, HALLELUJAH! When we read the stories of past believers, and how they endured by faith, it encourages and strengthens our hope. When we face difficult circumstances, we have the encouragement of Scripture. The Word of God gives us hope. Encourage yourself in his hope. Do not give up your hope. Endure to the end and be saved!
Dear Father, thank you for your Word that encourages us and provides us with hope. Strengthen us with endurance and patience to make the best of all situations in this life. Empower us with hope and enable us to share it with others. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today through enduring hope,