The answer is Jesus himself
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
How can Paul be so confident that God will act in a certain way? How can he be so sure that God will do one thing and not change His mind and do another? To me, the ways of God are, more often than not, a complete mystery. How come Paul is so sure of what God will do?
In verse 8-9 Paul uses some big ‘absolutes’ in his letter to the Corinthian Church. “He WILL keep you strong” “God WILL do this”. How do I get this confidence?
Maybe the answer is Jesus Himself.
Paul was absolutely sure of God’s faithfulness because the transaction for his salvation was bought with nothing less than the blood and life of Jesus, God’s son – the very person who wants to do life “in partnership” with us too (v9). Because of Jesus I can have rock-solid confidence that God is on my side. He will fight for me. He will help me. He will keep me safe in this life so I don’t miss out on the eternal life with Jesus. He is faithful. He will do it.
Oh Lord, may my faith grow to be as strong as Paul’s. I know you will never let me down.
Written by B van Noppen