Persevere in the Presentنموونە

If They Persevered, So Can We

One incredible tool the Bible offers us is the ability to learn from those who have already weathered the trials we now face. Yes, considering the cultural and time gap, what we experience is different from what was experienced by those in the Bible, but the human condition will never change. You may be asking how to persevere in the present. It is easy to find yourself in situations that are harder and taking longer than you expected. Thankfully, we can look to the Word and see that if its heroes persevered, so can we. Keep walking!

Hebrews 11 and 12 demonstrate the power and necessity of example. We are encouraged by others. When we are able to look at the past, we are hopeful in the present and are inspired to endure whatever may lie before us. Hebrews 11 is what I consider to be the “Hall of Fame of Faith.” It covers the victories and difficulties of some of the most notable people in Scripture. The victories remind us that perseverance is possible. The difficulties remind us that life was not easy for them; it is ok when it is hard for us too. Hebrews 12 then refers to these people as the “cloud of witnesses” that we can remember for hope in our current situation. They are people who have gone through the same things that we have, and persevered. They experienced pain, loss, desperation, hopelessness, depression, and more. Their endurance was made possible through faith, regardless of their circumstance. If they persevered, so can we!

Prayer: “Father, we thank you for your Word that encourages us daily. We thank you for the cloud of witnesses that we have to remember and learn from. We ask that you strengthen us and help us to persevere in whatever circumstance today brings. Help us to turn to You for hope, strength, and faith in moments when we cannot find any. Give us the power to keep walking when it feels like we cannot walk any farther. We love you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”