“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”
Examples
The Bible is full of stories about real men and women who experienced every kind of situation and emotion that is common to all people in any age or culture. There are highs and lows, blessings and curses, sins and acts of obedience and all kinds of reactions to the events of life. The apostle Paul explains that the stories of the Old Testament are there to provide examples for Christians in the gospel age. Whatever we may be going through, there is something in the Bible that will be of practical help to us.
The prophets of the Old Testament provide an example in the following areas.
Examples of suffering
Everybody undergoes trials and testing at some time in their life. It is God’s way of developing perseverance, character and hope. No one enjoys suffering. But when God is in the centre of our lives all suffering is redemptive and brings about greater good for us. There are many examples in the Scripture of godly people who endured suffering and proved the goodness and faithfulness of God through it all. Even Jesus Himself endured the most terrible of sufferings when He died on the cross. Such examples are there to provide us with hope in the difficult times. If they made it through, so will we. If God was faithful to them, He will be faithful to us. If God turned it all around for good in their lives, He will do the same for us. Then we in turn can become helpful examples to others. As we receive compassion from God in the middle of our trials, we can show compassion to others who are passing through similar difficulties.
Examples of patience
Faith in God requires patience. Suffering and perseverance generate patience in our lives. In this life patience is a requirement for fruitful living. Anything worth having takes time to grow, develop and be nurtured. God allows, and even orchestrates testing times to develop the vital characteristic of patience. This tests our confidence in the character and faithfulness of God and His promises. Whatever God has said over our lives will come to pass. Patience tests whether we truly believe Him or not. Many of the Old Testament characters had to endure long periods of waiting in which God developed patience in them. Yet God never failed. Nor will He fail us today.
Examples of faith
Despite the suffering and patient endurance that many Old Testament people displayed, they still lived in faith and were useful prophets for God. They were not perfect before God used them. Many of them had their most fruitful ministry in the middle of agonising pain. Jeremiah is one such example. Too many believers are waiting for everything to come good in their lives before they step out and do something for God. Sadly, many have waited too long and passed on into eternity without having released their potential in the service of God and His kingdom. If you are waiting for the ideal opportunity you will be waiting a long time. Today is the day. Whatever you are going through put your faith into action and see what God will do through you.
The Bible is full of examples that are of real practical help to us.
