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
I don’t know about you, but some days I am sorely lacking in hope. I see no end to the days ahead of me with my body being in active rebellion and my life so totally changed. Some days, hope is all I have – so losing that hope is devastating for me. When I am brought that low, it seems the only thing that I can hold on to is God’s word. I can find comfort and solace there that I find nowhere else.
Have you ever wondered why the Bible was written? Here is this book, ages old, that some people have tried to destroy, eliminate, and ignore – yet it survives. That in itself gives me hope. God tells us why He chose to give us His word in written form. He wants to teach us. He wants us to learn endurance and encouragement. He wants to give us hope.
I have to readily admit I do not understand God’s ways. Yet, slowly, bit by bit, I am learning to come to a place of acceptance and trust. I do believe that the only reason I am able to do this is because of God’s word and prayer. There are so many encouraging Scriptures to be found. There are days when the last thing I want to do is pick up my Bible – but when I do – I am blessed.
God wants us to be encouraged. He wants us to learn to endure and not give us. And He provided the means for that to happen: Hope. And He gave us the place to find that hope – in His word. Why don’t you meet Him there today?
Father God. Over and over You tell us how much You care for us. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see. Thank You for Your magnificent word that has been so carefully preserved for thousands of years, that we might find hope in our trials and tribulations. You are, indeed, an awesome God. Amen.