“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by the steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
Christian endurance is driven and sustained by hope. Christian hope is sustained by “the encouragement of the Scriptures”, as Paul explains. Endurance thus comes from meditating on God’s Word. It can be encouraging to read in the Bible about other people who experienced God’s help in their struggles. It is good to read about God’s faithfulness to His promises — sometimes in the lives of particular individuals, but also in the general picture of God’s unfolding salvation plan through the centuries. There are so many Psalms and prophecies that draw our attention to the Lord’s unfailing goodness. And attentively studying all of Scripture helps us stand firm against false teaching and deception. Paul says this is the purpose of the Bible.
It’s good to have a regular discipline of Bible reading. That way, we have a solid basis for the hard times that will come sooner or later. Jesus compares this to a wise man who builds his house on a rock (which is God’s Word), so that it can stand rain, floods and winds.
Do you feed your hope with the Word of God?