Romans 15:4 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. (NIV)

Did you know that there are many athletic metaphors in the New Testament? Paul often used racing, boxing, and fighting in his writings as a way to connect with his readers. After all, his audience would have been very familiar with secular festivals that celebrated athleticism. Paul was likely even visiting the city of Corinth while it held its own version of the Olympic games in 51 AD.*

Are the words of Romans 15:4 relatable to you? Paul’s use of the word endurance may have made his readers think of a long foot race. To you, it probably means something completely different.

As a parent of a child with special needs, you face many challenges each and every day. You may endure long and emotional IEP meetings. You might have to endure long bouts of inconsolable crying. Maybe you and your spouse are enduring marital tension while also caring for your child as a team. Countless situations that you are facing every day require endurance—and sometimes, you may feel like you are at the end of your rope.

So, where can you find that endurance when you need it the most? Paul says that endurance is taught in the Scriptures. His mention of “everything that was written in the past” refers to the Old Testament. Certainly, Old Testament stories have many examples of endurance. Just think of Hannah praying for a child, or Job losing his family. In both of these stories, Hannah and Job remained faithful and were blessed. The examples taught in these stories show us that endurance, bolstered by the strength of the Most High, is possible even in the worst situations.

And Paul goes further. The Scriptures do not only teach us to endure, but also provide encouragement. So, in whatever situation we might need to endure, we have hope. Where does that hope come from? Another of Paul’s athletic metaphors says “…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a, NIV). Jesus created our faith and made it perfect through his resurrection from the dead. Whatever you might endure, Jesus gives us hope for everlasting rest with him in heaven.

Dear Jesus, it’s hard to face the trials of the day. Sometimes, I don’t feel that I have enough endurance to get through it all. Thank you for teaching me endurance through your Scriptures. Thank you for encouraging me through your Word. But most of all, thank you for creating and perfecting my faith so that I can find eternal rest with you in heaven. Amen.

*https://www.theartsjournal.org/index.php/site/article/view/814

by Erin Stob