Keeping Hope Alive (Part 1)

There are various stories in the bible that encourage and motivate us to endure difficult situations. Sometimes, it's some extraordinary tale of an impossible hero, or the faithfulness of God in restoring the lost treasures of an unfaithful child. Whichever it is, it gives us a reason to go on, a picture to hold on to, and a song to sing when the winds attempt to shake us. We have also got sources of encouragement in those sermons we hear here and there. Other times, it's some prophesy that comes along. Truth be told, it could even be something we see or notice that strengthens our belief that all things will get better.

You, reader, if you read the above and could hardly relate, might need a short reminder or introduction on how hope works. A fundamental teaching of hope is this:

4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:4-5)

First it says, "4 such things were written…" to indicate that these things exist in our very bibles.

And then it says, " …in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled." to inform us that these stories provide encouragement. Furthermore, it says in the verse 5, " May God, who gives this patience and encouragement..."

And elsewhere it says:

“…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:10-11)

So, we see that God provides encouragement and endurance through the Scriptures we read and hear.

When struggling to find encouragement and hope, stories in scripture that bring hope and comfort can be great medicine for our hearts. Have you got an impossible feat ahead? Then you have got the David and Goliath high-octane blockbuster for motivation. Do you feel stuck and see no way forward in life? Then there’s the family drama of Joseph and his rise from nothing to prime minister. And if you are getting on in years and still find yourself single and worried about if you are ever going to find the right person, then there’s the romantic story of Ruth and Boaz. And here’s the glorious truth: The same God who came through for all these characters is the same yesterday, today, and forever! What He did for them he is fully able to do for you. If he was willing to give His own life for free, how much more the lesser things? Is it not a more difficult thing for a man to offer his life for the salvation of an enemy than it is for him to offer his shoes to a pauper?