Session 8

When nothing seems as black and white as we’d like

From 2 Corinthians: 21-Day Bible Study

From defending your thesis on a college exam to choosing candidates during an election year, we all know the uncomfortable tug of having to pick a side. 

What if I get it wrong? What if this person lets me down? Will it all have been a waste? 

Weighing the options and committing to anything can leave us confused, doubtful, and much more aware of how rare it is to be certain someone is right. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians assures us that God’s promises are not like the promises we make to one another. His words can always be trusted. 

2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Jesus is the best proof of God's trustworthiness. Every promise God makes to His people — His promises to save them, to free them, to be with them, to strengthen them, to provide for them — is fulfilled in Jesus. 

God's words will always come to pass (Isaiah 55:11). This is why Paul goes on to instruct the Corinthians to give God the glory and stand firm, for God has given us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, as a guide and a guarantee of our place in His family (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

So how do we stand firm and trust in God’s promises? We have to become confident in who God is and who we are in Him. The closer we are to God, the more confident we become that He will do what He says. Reading the Bible, talking to God through prayer, and actively participating in the church helps us see God in action and trust Him to guide us each day and in every decision.

Reflect:

• Is there a decision you are facing today that seems gray?  sought wise counsel from someone you trust? If you don’t have someone to talk to, consider joining a group!
• Think about one time God was faithful in keeping His promises to you. How did that experience build your confidence in God's faithfulness?