The list is long, and their stories are varied. The Bible is filled with people who faced adversity and difficulty, people who went up against seemingly insurmountable obstacles and who got overwhelmed by the daily challenges of life. People who worried about the future and wished they could relive the past. Pretty much any situation or emotion you can experience has been encountered by someone in the Bible.
Facing family tension? Jacob can relate.
Concerned about a sick loved one? You should hear about Jairus.
Struggling to make ends meet? Have you ever met the widow of Zarephath?
Coping with the loss of a spouse? Let me introduce you to Naomi.
Intimidated by the next chapter in life? Talk to Joshua.
There are so many more. Broken people living in a broken world will face adversity. Much of it comes simply because we live in a sin-sick world. Unfortunately, much of it comes as a result of our own sinful judgement and decisions. All of it can be overwhelming.
In every instance in the Bible, whatever the adversity, whatever the concern, those who trusted in the Lord, were delivered. Sometimes immediately and oftentimes gradually, but every time, the Lord provided the solution, the healing came, the joy returned, and the strength showed up. None of them deserved it, and it didn’t always come in the way they expected, but the Lord came through for them.
Why would you ever think he won’t come through for you? In his Word, he recorded the life and death of Jesus to convince you that he loves you and has forgiven you. In his Word, he recorded the lives of so many people to assure you that he will always come through for you. God loves you and has forgiven you in Jesus. God will fulfill his plans for you and can’t wait to see you.
Whatever the adversity…put your hope in the Lord. He won’t let you down.
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
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