When I pondered these verses in 2 Corinthians this morning, I thought of the movie Twister. There’s a “sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat” scene toward the conclusion of the movie. As the tornado is tearing through everything on the ground, the main characters have to find something to hold onto – something that will keep them safe. They find posts in the ground and they anchor themselves to it. The twister is so strong that their bodies are caught in the middle of it, but they were smart and clung to the ONLY thing that could keep them from being swept away by the fierce wind. In the end, they made it through unharmed.
We know that the apostle Paul was speaking to a church (the Corinthian church) going through terrible things: division, arguing, confusion. They were actually questioning Paul’s reliability because plans had changed and he did not get there when expected. So Paul brings them back to what is truly reliable… the PROMISES of GOD. Basically, he tells the people of this church that they can trust in ONE true source – God’s promises. Why are the promises of God so reliable? Because they have been fulfilled in Christ. For us, living on this side of the cross, with the completed Word of God at our disposal, it’s important to note that Jesus fulfilled EVERY promise in the Bible – the ones past, present, and yet in the future. Paul says, “YES,” they have been fulfilled. And when the people of God respond with “AMEN,” they are confirming what they know to be true. And God is glorified when we acknowledge His promises and believe them.
I’m not sure what you’re going through… what giants you’re facing today, what darkness is looming around you, what scary trial you are walking through, and what discouragement has you unglued. We need something to cling go… something that will hold us secure and keep us from being swept away. Well, if Paul were here, he would say… HOLD ONTO GOD’S PROMISES. This is speaking to me this morning because I may be facing some challenges soon. So I will memorize every promise I can so that when that day comes, those promises will be give me strength and comfort in the midst of the darkness.
I will remind myself that He has promised me… an eternal home in heaven, He is coming back for me, one day I’ll have a new body, His presence with me, His angels to hold me in their hands, His protection, and His eternal love. I will remind myself that one day… I will be taken from the earth, He will make all the wrongs right, He will reign with righteousness from His Temple in Jerusalem, and one day, there will be no more pain, sorrow, hurt, or brokenness.
With that said, let me encourage to find the promises of God you need today. Write them down, recite them again and again until they are imbedded in your heart and mind, and hold tight to them. Because they are anchored in Christ, they will give you hope, strength, and assurance when that twister is threatening your survival.