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 NIV)
I am one of those people that is intrigued by books and movies that are “based on a true story”. Something about knowing that the events happened to real people makes it more fascinating. The Bible is the biggest compilation of true stories of any book. It is full of stories of real people facing real life situations and how their faith in God (or lack thereof) impacted their attitude and the eventual outcome. These life stories are examples for us of how to live… And of how not to live.
When I read the stories of the people in the Bible, I can see the lessons. Sometimes it’s a lesson of what to do. Sometimes it’s a lesson of what not to do. The entire Old Testament is the story of how God’s own people (the Israelites) struggled to stay in close fellowship with God. On their knees in praise and adoration one moment, building alters to foreign gods the next. That pattern very closely resembles my own walk with God. Taking an overhead look at how things turned out for them when they were complacent in their relationship with God is a good reminder for me to stay on track.
Never stop reading the Bible. Each time you open it God will have a fresh word for you that you can apply to your life.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NLT)
Then we can write our own faith story. One in which the main character is a good example of faith in the unwavering God and of a heart that seeks to glorify him in all that we do?