History helps to be obedient as it gives us examples of the blessing of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. History also gives us hope for the future.
A reality of being human is that we will experience suffering. Another reality is that God is real and present even when we suffer. How we respond to suffering has a profound effect on us emotionally, physically and spiritually.
As we come closer to the end of our ascent up the mountain we will need to persevere. At times it seems the mission we are on is an impossible task, but we are called to persevere knowing in the end we have everything to gain.