Take Heed!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV

The account of the lives of the men of old are varied. There are the good, the bad and the ugly; we read stories of Cain and Abel, and the end of both of them; we read of Abraham and the covenant of blessing  over his life extending to his generations; we read the love stories of the Songs of Solomon, and the account of Ruth. There is one conclusion, which is also the introduction to today's extract: in God's hands, nothing is wasted.

Today's extract tells me that 'everything written in the past was written to teach us' today. I must therefore take the time to extract the lessons from everything I hear and read and apply it to my life. What do the accounts teach us? Today's extract says: ' endurance taught in the Scriptures and the  encouragement they provide'. If you are looking for a feel good message that tells you all will be well all through your life, then maybe these accounts are not for you. If you are looking for earthly comfort and convenience, then maybe these accounts are not for you. Nowhere does God promise a smooth sail; he only assures us of his presence, and a hope that sees beyond the immediate into God's perfect purpose.

Read the stories of Hannah, Ruth, Jeremiah, Paul, Peter even Jesus. We read about them today and by faith, claim the promises of their lives. What of their bitter experiences? See Stephen being stoned to death, yet he saw beyond the then. Paul said 'to live is Christ, and to die is gain'. Men don't talk like that unless they see something beyond the now. We must learn  from them and ask God to give us the same eyes, so we can take comfort from the truth that God knows what he is doing, and anything he brings will end well. I may not see it in my lifetime, but God is trustworthy enough to keep his promises. His time of favour is here.