As I continue through the book of 1 Corinthians I was reminded of a verse that has brought me much comfort in my past, and can hopefully be of comfort to those of you who are facing difficult situations. 1 Corinthians 7:24 states, “Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.”

This verse has comforted me through some difficult seasons in my life. It has given me that eternal perspective needed to persevere in hard times, and try and find the glimpse of light in the darkness. To place this verse in its contexts, Paul is writing about marriage, and whether or not we should pursue such matters in our lives. Paul is telling the church in Corinth to be wary of how marriage can divide our interests between God and a spouse or family. But he writes on two separate occasions to remain where God has called you.

I certainly think this is needed advise for the crumbling landscape of marriage, but also in other life circumstances as well. It all boils down to our trust and faith in God. Do we trust God enough to have faith that He is in control, and that there just may be a higher purpose to our pain, to our circumstances, or to our surroundings. I have recently been told of a lot of family tragedies in our church family, and it is hard not to think about the suffering of so many in Haiti. It is not our job to make sense of everything around us. It is not our job to have all of the answers for ourselves, or those that we are trying to serve. But we are called to stand firm, to trust, to remain where God has lead us. We may not always see the silver lining, or the light at the end of the tunnel, but if we can keep our eyes transfixed on the Author of Life than we can endure any and all things.

In all of my readings about the current persecuted church, and persecuted Christians from the past, often they considered it a true honor to be found worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. Now I know that in my faith, and my life I have a far ways to go to get to that attitude of the heart. But perhaps today you need to hear that God can be trusted. That this too shall pass. Be strong and stand firm.

May you be encouraged from the lyrics of Andrew Peterson’s, Faith To Be Strong:

Give us faith to be strong/ Father, we are so weak/ Our bodies are fragile and weary/ As we stagger and stumble to walk where you lead/ Give us faith to be strong

Give us faith to be strong/ Give us strength to be faithful/ This life is not long, but it’s hard/ Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able/ Lord, give us faith to be strong

Give us peace when we’re torn/ Mend us up when we break/ This flesh can be wounded and shaking/ When there’s much too much trouble for one heart to take/ Give us peace when we’re torn

Give us faith to be strong/ Give us strength to be faithful/ This life is not long, but it’s hard/ Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able/ Lord, give us faith to be strong

Give us hearts to find hope/ Father, we cannot see/ How the sorrow we feel can bring freedom/ And as hard as we try, Lord, it’s hard to believe/ So, give us hearts to find hope

Give us faith to be strong/ Give us strength to be faithful/ This life is not long, but it’s hard/ Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able/ Lord, give us faith to be strong/ Give us peace when we’re torn/ Give us faith, faith to be strong

February 3, 2010 <> Michael Warneke

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