Endurance & Encouragement

Last night at APEX we finished our summer series. The text we applied was Romans 15:4-6

“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. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I believe it’s healthy to pause at the end of a season and reflect on what God is doing in your heart. I asked this question: Will this just be a nice Bible study you attended or something that will be part of an ongoing transformation in your life?

In order to live strong as young adults in 2009 we must have our hope anchored in Christ. We do this through two things: Endurance and the Encouragement of the Scriptures. Everything about our lives is shakeable – people, job, school, finances, possessions, etc. Christ is the only unshakeable foundation that we can set our hope on.

Circumstances have the potential to circumvent your hope, unless that hope is Christ.

Remember this truth: There are no setbacks for the man/woman of God, only stepping stones. When your heart is anchored in Christ, every trial, difficulty, and obstacle can become a stepping stone into God’s greater destiny and purpose.

Keep hoping… in the God of endurance and encouragement.

DS