Scripture - Rom. 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Observation - Paul mentions hope as being a the byproduct of two things: 1) endurance, and 2) the encouragement of the scriptures.
Application - Hope is such a compelling force that affects emotions and our physical actions. The hope of a paycheck gets us out of bed in the morning. The hope of for someone's salvation keeps us sharing the story of what He has done for us. The hope for safety keeps us paying our taxes so that the fire, police and military can do their jobs.
When hope disappears, we become discouraged and stop acting.
For the believer, staying in the scripture creates hope. We read about others who experienced similar situations and did not quit, and we see God's amazing intervention that brought results. That creates the hope that if He did it for them, He will do it for me! That happens in the natural as we read His word. There is also the supernatural impact of reading the Word. It is like water, refreshing the discouraged soul, re-lighting the lamps of faith within us.
One question I ask when people are discouraged and feel like quitting: "Have you been in the Word?" I know when I become discouraged, it's usually in conjunction with a drop in Bible reading!
Prayer - Lord, thank you for your word - it's so much more than historical fact! It energizes me to endure!
