“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:2-9
For those in a fledgling church, adjusting to life in the Holy Spirit and the challenges of prevailing philosophies, it would seem unnatural to think about the far future. Immediate pressures both spiritual and practical could easily consume the day’s allotment of energy and focus. But Paul is masterful is broadening the Corinthians’ vision, in lifting their sights from the mundane and difficult to the glorious family of Christ in every place, from present stresses to future culmination of perfect fellowship. They would be sustained to the end.
In the drudge of day to day, it is easy to lose sight of anything beyond. We have deadlines to meet, tasks to complete, health issues that drain, relationships that snip and gnaw at our peace. We face conundrums that seem unsolvable, challenges that seem interminable, and the last thing that seems possible is calm resolution. In current difficulties and fray, there is nothing like an assurance of unbreakable fellowship with Christ and the encouragement of knowing we will be sustained to the end. If indeed God called us, and is sanctifying and enriching and providing for us in all our tedium and trials, He will continue faithful until the day He returns. What a promise! (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
We are this day both saved and being saved. The strain of present stretching is worth it in light of the hope-filled declaration of Christ’s completed work. Knowing the Lord will not rest in accomplishing His will in us should fuel our persistence and determination to press on. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Do we feel feeble, wondering where to start? Are we nursing regrets or weighed down by conflicts? What urgent malaise or misdirected passions can we commit to the certainty of God’s glorious future?
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~R. Keith (1787)
Father, in light of Your faithfulness to Your character and word, help me be strong, steady, and steadfast, to Your glory.
As the rain and snow 