Hope Inspired Perseverance

I started reading the book of Thessalonians today, and before I got to the end of the third verse, God was already speaking to me. It was one of those `words jumping off the page` experiences, where you know that you know that God is trying to get your attention.

We should not be surprised by this happening, as after all, the bible is not a dead book, full of fanatical stories, but rather a `living` book, inspired by the Living God. The Bible speaks and sometimes even yells, if we have ears to hear it! The four words that impacted me were these - `endurance inspired by hope`.

When I hear the word `endurance` I imagine hard work, gritted teeth and a sweat-soaked brow. It`s not one of those `feel good` words. Yet if we are going to be victors in this life, endurance will be needed. In fact, you cannot run the `race of faith` without it. What encouraged me this morning though, was the revelation that hope inspires endurance, and we believe in a God of all hope (Romans 15:3). There will always be more than enough hope available to us as the store houses of heaven are at our disposal. If you lack hope, you will most likely also lack endurance, but if you have hope, you will be able to hold on long after everyone else has quit.

I wonder what circumstances you are facing today? There are several challenges in my life right now that require perseverance. If i try to deal with them in my own strength, and dependent on my own understanding, I am destined to fail. However, if I focus on the God of all hope and remind myself that nothing is impossible for Him, I will be inspired to endure.

My prayer today for you comes directly from the pages of Scripture. `May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit` (Romans 15:3).

Prayer: Father God, there are many challenges in my life that require perseverance. I come to You today, the God of hope, and ask You to fill me to overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that, through You, I am no longer a victim, but a victor. In Jesus` name, Amen.