Endurance

"For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope." Romans 15:4 (Amplified)

     God cares for us enough to lay out His plan for how we should live in explicit detail. He did this because He wanted us to use the instructions of the past to produce in us an endurance for the future. After all, if you know what lies ahead you are better prepared for the battle, right? 

      We are equipped with the knowledge that this life is going to bring about some trials, but this knowledge should enable us to encourage not only ourselves but others to make it through. Jesus said, "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved." (Matthew 10:22 NASB) Endurance is a depth of character that is brought about through perseverance and we all know God rewards perseverance.