“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭ESV)‬‬

Hope that doesn’t just come from our circumstances going our way. Hope that isn’t tied to our temporary happiness. But the kind of hope that bridges the sin-stained gap between this life and the next. For we were once “separated from Christ... strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:12‬-13 ‭ESV‬‬) Our hope in Christ started with a baby boy, finished with an empty tomb, and was made complete by a risen Savior.

The Spirit of God equips us with endurance - endurance that gently whispers in our ear - just keep moving forward. When we fall down, the Spirit lovingly picks us back up, dusts us off, and renews our strength. Each breath is a new opportunity to praise His name. Each step forward is a new opportunity to exchange control for a surrendered heart. Every heart sold out to Christ and willing to submit everything to His name is a chance to change the world one soul at a time. Stand on the truth that “endurance produces character, and character produces hope!” (Romans 5:4 ESV)

But perhaps you are feeling discouraged and all out of endurance. The scriptures are a constant reminder of what God has done for us and that His promises never fail. The Word of God is the light that shines in the darkness, illuminating our path forward one day at a time. The psalmist penned these words, “my soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.” ‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭119:81‬ ‭ESV‬‬) Now that is the kind of hope worth finding!

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About the Author

Nathan Miller

You may know me as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, mentor, ultra marathoner runner, NBA basketball enthusiast, fan of all things tech, music lover and writer. However, the life blood that flows through everything that I strive to be comes from a desire for greater intimacy with Jesus Christ. He is my Savior, my Provider, my Lord and most of all my best friend.