What do we, as believers, do when our strength is giving out, when our bodies are failing, and fear is running our lives? Maybe it's the delinquent mortgage, late car payment, a failing business, a dead-end career, a shaky relationship, etc. that keeps us up at night. I know that for many of us crisis is a reality of life.
1 Corinthians 1:8-9 gives us some answers we can count on as believers in the Lord. I love what these verses have to say: "He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
However, to get a better perspective of this message, go back one verse, to 1 Corinthians 1:7. This verse is imploring us to be confident in Christ. Take a closer look at it: "Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed."
Don't you know that we have been given everything we need, by the Lord, to deal with daily living no matter what it holds for us? He equips us daily for whatever the day holds. We do not lack any spiritual gift, or spiritual tool we will need. We can be absolutely confident in Him! He will never leave us, nor forsake us (Romans 8:35-37).
Want to know something else? We can also look forward to His return! [The New Testament believers expected His return any day]. As the verse (1 Corinthians 1:7) says, they "eagerly" waited for "Jesus Christ to be revealed". Our hope is not only in this life but eternity as well. We are His, and He will come for us.
The word "eagerly" in this verse has a dual meaning. First, there is the idea of great anticipation. There's an excitement about the return of Jesus Christ. Too many of us forget that He is coming back; and it could be today! For those who believe and trust in Him that means all the suffering, the frustration of life, is over. We will be with Him forever more bathed in His love and glory.
The word "eagerly"also carries the idea of activity. We are to be about the work of the Lord daily. We need to be telling others about Jesus Christ, worshiping Him, loving our neighbors with the love we have already experienced in Christ. Our desire will be that "none should perish" but all receive Him in repentance and faith.
Now, do you ever get tired and feel like giving up? Of course, you do! We're all in the same boat, in that respect. But, we are encouraged (given courage) in Christ. We have guaranteed victory with Him today, and every other day for the rest of eternity. Especially, on the day of His return (Philippians 1:4-6)!
The days we feel like giving up and staying in bed, are days we need to realize the power of God will get us through. He won't abandon us because we're tired. He will bring us through whatever we face until Christ’s return. He will give us the victory. If we give ourselves daily to the Lord (and Him only), we have all that’s necessary to meet the day. He is the source, the only source, of all our needs!
The days we experience difficulty and worry are days we try to live on our own power. We try to do things ourselves. And guess what? The result is always frustration and worry. Does this sound familiar to you? Another problem we encounter is: trying to deal with tomorrow today. The Lord gives enough power, strength, and courage to deal with today. We won’t have tomorrows power until tomorrow. When tomorrow comes you will have what you need from the Lord.
Not only does our Lord keep us strong and courageous, He also has made us clean. He has cleansed us from all sin, guilt, and shame. He has made us "blameless." The word blameless literally means "free from accusation". One thing, though. blameless does not mean "perfect." We are far from perfect. The work of salvation has been done. Believers have been justified by God’s grace; and can stand before our Lord blameless when He returns!
In closing, let me leave you with some words of encouragement:
- You are clean before the Lord. You are covered by His grace and mercy. You do not get what you deserve, death, but what you don’t deserve and can never earn, life everlasting. You are free from sin and death.
- You are gifted by God and equipped for service. You have the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through you to accomplish His will in your life. He has planned good works for you.
Scripture: Philippians 4:13; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 103:12; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:8; John 15:9
Prayer: Dear Lord, in my darkest moment, please help me see your light and find my way. Amen
God bless you!
Lori
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