Romans 15:4
“For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”
Megan, a close friend from college, ran many marathons. In every race, there comes a moment when your body screams to quit. What keeps you moving isn’t strength in your legs but strength in your heart. It is also remembering the words of coaches and the examples of fellow runners. These voices carried Megan when her own strength failed. In the same way, scripture gives us encouragement and endurance for the long race of life.
Let’s examine Romans 15:4 by looking at each phrase:
- “For whatever was written previously” – In his time, Paul is referring to the Old Testament when he states “whatever was written previously.” In our time, that phrase now includes both the Old and New Testament.
- “…was written for our instruction…” – Paul emphasizes that Scripture wasn’t written only for Israel’s time but preserved to teach future generations. It reveals God’s character, His faithfulness, and His work in history, guiding us to live faithfully today.
- “…that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures…” – When trials come, scripture calls us to endurance. Abraham waited for God’s promise, Joseph endured exile, and the early Church persevered through persecution. Their endurance was not empty struggle—it was rooted in trust, showing that even when the path is long and uncertain, God is faithful. True endurance is not mere grit; it is continuing in trust, sustained by encouragement—the steady reminder that God is with us and has gone before us. Scripture offers this encouragement like water to a thirsty soul: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you.
- “…we might have hope.” – When endurance and encouragement come together, they blossom into hope. Not a fragile hope that depends on circumstances, but a steady hope rooted in the unchanging character of God. Hope is not wishful thinking—it is confidence in God’s promises. It is assurance that our story, like the stories of scripture, will end in God’s victory.
Paul reminds us that Scripture, though written long ago, speaks to us today. These are not relics of the past but living words meant to guide us through life’s challenges. The stories of God’s faithfulness encourage us to endure with hope. Hebrews 11 beautifully summarizes the trials and triumphs of figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Rahab. Each story invites reflection—choose one, and let the living Word inspire endurance, encouragement, and hope.
We can also reflect on the ways God has providentially acted in our own lives. Remembering the wondrous works He has already revealed strengthens our confidence in Him when future trials arise. As Psalm 105:2 says, ‘Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!’
I want to share how God poured out abundant blessings upon me this past summer and, like the Psalmist, proclaim His wondrous works. I record these graces so that when trials arise—as they surely will—I can return to them and be strengthened with renewed confidence, hope, and trust in God’s unfailing mercy.
In June, the Lord wove together joy and sorrow on my path. He gave me days of communion and joy with the AVI Sisters in Rome, and a week in Lourdes, where Mary’s presence embraced me in prayer. During that time, I learned my beloved friend Megan, (the marathoner I mentioned at the beginning of this reflection) had suffered several strokes. Her cancer, once managed by medications, had suddenly advanced. Instead of returning to the States, I flew to the Netherlands, where she taught at an international school near Amsterdam. I arrived on Monday; Megan died Friday. Her passing was heavy with grief, yet in those final days—and in the weeks that followed—God revealed graces so profound that they continue to draw my heart to trust, to hope, and to remember His mercy.
- When I planned my trip to Rome and Lourdes in December, God already knew Megan’s time was near. He arranged my travel so I would be in Europe when she became so sick. In just a short plane ride, I was at her side and able to spend the last week of her life with her. God is truly the architect of time; His timing is always perfect.
- When God asks something of us, He first prepares our hearts. The Holy Spirit inspired me to extend my trip from Rome to Lourdes, where I received the graces I needed to accompany Megan. I have always feared the death of a loved one, but through Mary and the Holy Spirit’s quiet preparation, that fear was silenced.
- Megan had a strong faith and had prayed a weekly Holy Hour. At her bedside, I prayed the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet with her and silently while she slept. We watched daily Mass together, and during one Mass, she reached out to her dad and me, saying, “Hold my hand.” What a beautiful way to accompany a loved one on her journey to heaven. He is ever faithful.
- I learned that sorrow, peace, and even joy can co-exist. Sorrow at the loss of Megan. Peace brought about by prayer. And joy in the presence of my beloved friend.
- Jesus promises never to leave us alone. Even when no one else is near, He is with us. The day before Megan died, she saw the outline of Jesus. At the hour of her death, He blessed her abundantly—surrounded by her dad, three friends, and her doctor.
- One might think the graces ended when Megan died, but they continued unexpectedly. With her mother and brother deceased (they also died from cancer), I helped her dad plan her funeral—a task that once felt impossible. Yet by God’s grace, it was not only possible but, at times, even felt “easy.” God’s grace makes the impossible possible.
- Helping to plan the funeral also forced me to face my grief—and in facing it, healing began. God often uses the most unexpected events to restore and renew us.
Reflecting on scripture as well as our own past experiences can reveal God’s abundant graces, renewing our courage and hope. By remembering how God has acted before, we gain confidence to trust Him in the present and the future, assured that His faithfulness will continue.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word. When I am weary, remind me of those who have gone before me. When I feel discouraged, breathe Your encouragement into my heart through the Scriptures. Teach me to endure with trust, so that I may live in hope. Let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path and may Your promises guide my steps until I see You face to face. Amen.
This month’s meditation is by Karen Bonkiewicz, CLAVI (Consecrated Laywomen of the AVI)
