Thought for the Day – Friday 12th June 2020
Bible Reading 1 Corinthians 10 13
God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted
beyond your strength but, with the temptation, will
also provide the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it.
The greatest inducement to give up the Christian fight (and we are engaged in warfare, believe it or not) is the unavoidable fact that we are always failing, stumbling, falling short. We try, we always try, but somehow, whether through weakness or ignorance, we suffer defeat, we are beaten.
The devil uses it. It’s one of his cleverest tricks. ‘You’ve failed’, he whispers; ‘Is it really worth carrying on ?’; ‘You know in your heart that you’re going to fail again, don’t you ?’ ‘Why bother?’
Take no notice. Remind yourself of the words of St John – ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1 9)
Acknowledgement of our failures and shortcomings (sins) is an early part of any act of worship – as is the assurance of forgiveness or absolution.
Despite overwhelming injury and excruciating pain, Shun Fujimoto persevered. He endured to the end and helped his team gain the prize.
The Queen said it, albeit in a different context, but the message is the same for believers – ‘Never give up. Never despair.’
Captain of Israel’s host, and Guide
Of all who seek the land above,
Beneath your shadow we abide,
The cloud of your protecting love;
Our strength, your grace, our rule, your word;
Our end, the glory of the Lord
(Charles Wesley Singing the Faith 459)
Prayer
I can and shall endure to the end, dear Lord, with the example of Jesus before me and the
power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen me.
Amen