God's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions: Principles for Successful Living (Living with Purpose)

When we have questions, the Bible has answers.

The apostle Paul said, “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

God gave us examples from people’s lives for two reasons.

First, they are given to teach us. It is always wise to learn from our own experiences, but it is even wiser to learn from the experiences of others. Second, God gave us stories to encourage us. We are encouraged by the fact that he chooses to use ordinary people to accomplish his plans — in spite of their weaknesses and failures and sometimes mixed motives.

It is my prayer that these studies of Bible characters will produce two results in your life: that you will learn God’s principles for successful living, and that you will believe God can use you in a significant way.

—Rick Warren