Learn from the past.

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
Learning about history, any type of history, was always fascinating to me. I may not have done very well in my college class, okay…there’s no “maybe” about it…I didn’t…I had to retake American History (seriously!), yet the fascination of how things were made, who did what to change the world, wars, government, etc. was always and still is appealing to me to this day.
Just yesterday I was thinking about how to decorate my daughter’s graduate table at our church’s recognition event. One of the ideas had to do with history. Holly has always done well and been intrigued by the learning of history. She had even thought at one point that she may minor in history in college.
I knew I wanted to use the “God Doodling” that my precious friend created for Holly, so when I searched my photos and found the “History” drawing I smiled when I realized that the same scripture God gave me this morning was the exact verse I had given my friend to incorporate in her “God Doodling”. Well, I’m not sure if God was whispering in my ear, “Yes! Go for it. Tie in Holly’s love of history in the decoration.” Or was He whispering something else to me.
Maybe God wasn’t confirming a decorating idea for me as much as He was reminding me to share with all whose eyes happen to scan this page that we need to be history buffs ourselves.
Why? Take a look at the bible verse again:
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
Here are some thoughts:

• Yes, we are to learn from the past. The bible is THE accurate, not the most accurate, but THE ACCURATE historical book. The bible isn’t for collecting dust on our shelves, simply using as decoration, nor meant to be carried back-and-forth to church on Sundays to only be opened in class or while the pastor is preaching. It is meant to be opened daily, read, and explored so we can learn from it. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
• The bible is meant to give us strength, perseverance, patience, courage, and so much more! If…we will read it, learn from it, and apply it to our daily lives. “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLT . “Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:4 . “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
• Could you use a little hope? Then allow God to be The Provider of hope that He is. Read the greatest history book ever to seek and be saturated with hope. “I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

So what are you waiting for? Go become a history buff and learn from The Book that has so much to learn from it.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
Please click here to subscribe so you won’t miss a journal entry. THANK YOU!!!
Don’t forget to share your photos of sunrises and sunsets on social media and use the hashtag #soakinguptheson.
Follow me on Instagram @stephanie_shuff