Look back and be encouraged

James wrote, “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:10-11 NKJV). Here we are reminded to look back and be challenged and encouraged by those who went before us as we await the Lord’s coming. Look back at Hosea: his wife deserted him, but he faithfully hung in there and God restored their marriage (Hosea 3:1-3). Look back at Daniel: he was thrown into a lions’ den for standing firm in his faith, but God delivered and promoted him (Daniel 6:1-28). Look back at Jeremiah: he was arrested, accused of being a traitor, and thrown into a well to die (Jeremiah 37-38). But he looked up, and God delivered him. Then there’s the roll call of the faithful listed in Hebrews 11! Those of us who have been rejected by family members can look back to Abel (v. 4). Those who are misunderstood can look back to Noah (v. 7). Those battling a crisis of faith and who seem to be up against the impossible can look back to Abraham (vv. 8-10). If you’ve been used or abused, look back to Joseph (v. 22). Those confronted by seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life can look back to Joshua (v. 30). Those seeking to move beyond a sinful past can look back to Rahab (v. 31). So this is the word for you today: look back and be encouraged.