People like us

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

Stories feature three different types of people. There are heroes, there are villains, and there are troubled characters called anti-heroes. Stories about villains usually result in the lead character getting his just desserts. Such a story is satisfying to read, but you don’t feel a connection with the protagonist. Stories about heroes can be thrilling adventures, but leave you feeling like a spectator—it’s hard to relate to a champion that has no significant personal faults.

It’s the anti-heroes that appeal to us—men or women who struggle to overcome their own personal shortcomings during the course of the story. Characters who wrestle with fear or anger, impatience or despair, overconfidence or lack of self-worth—these kinds of people we can relate to, sympathize with, root for. They struggle with problems that we understand quite well.

The Bible is full of such people. Eve did not respond well to having someone set limits on her behavior. Abraham wanted to trust God, but he was ready to tell lies when he was frightened. Jacob was a sneaky con artist who learned the hard way to treat others with respect. Moses struggled with self-confidence. Eli was unwilling to discipline his sons, and they became a public disgrace. Samson is a classic example of pride leading to disaster. David had everything a man could want, but he wasn’t satisfied and started an affair, then arranged the death of the woman’s husband to cover things up. Isaiah was one of God’s greatest prophets, yet he got so depressed that he wanted to die. Esther was reluctant to risk her life in order to protect her people. Peter was a man of courage and conviction, but he was also foolishly impulsive. John was a man with a tender heart, yet he could be arrogant and judgmental. Paul was highly educated, but it took an act of God to teach him humility.

The Bible is full of people like you and me. They struggled with personal weakness, just as we do; we can relate to their problems. But their stories also reassure us. When they messed up, God was willing to forgive them. When they needed help, God came through for them. God loves us the same way. Trust in the Lord, and you will see that it’s true.