This is the third in a series of posts written by our very own Paul Burgess. See the first post and an introduction to the series here.
PERSEVERANCE and ENCOURAGEMENT
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:4-6 NASB)
We think of perseverance as some strength of our own. It’s not! God strengthens us as He encourages us through the scriptures so that “we might have hope.” With hope we live knowing our future is secure. We are in the hands of God. Scripture strengthens us to endure our fashioning, the work of His hands. Our Father’s words are words of encouragement. Raise your hand if you need encouragement!
God’s encouragement to “hang-in-there” is the same for rich or poor, and sufficient for any circumstance, but we must be listening. If we are not, we struggle unnecessarily. Did I mention that God’s word is life. Now is the time to have hope, and “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”