It is easy to get distracted by crisis, uncertainty, or mistakes. When that happens sometimes it is hard to remember what God has done for us. I remember my parents’ fear of trying to figure out what was wrong medically with me (I was a pretty good kid otherwise). They did a good job of holding it all together emotionally, but there was stress, there was pressure, there was uncertainty. I remember sitting through EEG tests, CAT scans, and numerous doctor visits. Finally, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Through it all, God was there. He never left, he never avoided me, he never abandoned me even when Satan tried to tell me he did. God was and is faithful. God’s faithfulness gives hope each and every day I look for it and accept it.
Paul met Jesus on the road to Emmaus and he wanted the church in Corinth to know that Jesus was with them in spite of themselves. Paul wanted them to know the hope that only God could provide through Jesus. While I am sure Paul was let down or frustrated by some of the sin issues they faced, he knew God’s faithfulness was life-changing and more powerful than their sin. In verse 2 of 1st Corinthians, Paul reminds the people that it was Christ who called them and in verse 7 he reminds them that God has given them the gifts to live out their calling. In verse 8 Paul reminds them that it is God who will hold them until the end. We can hope and trust that the church in Corinth will come together because God is faithful (verse 9).
Sometimes we let the mess of uncertainty or our sin get in the way of what God is doing. Sometimes we rely on our own strength too much. I think Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians is for us. Whatever you are facing, God is with you! He is faithful and he has proven that and he loves you! Take some time to pray for someone who needs to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, if you can remind them of God’s faithfulness. If you need a little encouragement, we are here, just call or come in so we can talk about how faithful God is.
Pastor Jeremy Johnson
Family Pastor