Scripture
Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation
Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle. He writes to the church at Corinth with this authority.

Paul gives thanks to God for the Corinthian church. They have been blessed in every way and have received every spiritual gift to help them wait for the return of Christ.

Paul assures them that God will keep them strong and blameless until the coming of Jesus.

Application
One of my big fears for many years was that I would fall short of God's glory. I was afraid that I would not make it right to the end.

The end-times teachings were quite emphatic at the time I became a christian. The end of the world was near and we had to get ready for the rise of the anti-Christ and the return of Jesus. I was anxious that when all this kicked off I would be deceived and end up on the wrong side.

Another fear was persecution. Would I stand firm even to death or would I deny Jesus under torture?

Thankfully I have not had to face these situations.

Paul reminds us that God who gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to witness for Christ will also give us the strength to stand firm for Him even to the end.

Although running the race requires effort and determination on our part, we also have the Holy Spirit who promises to carry us through the hard times.

Praise God for that assurance!

Prayer
Than you Holy Spirit for being my guide, mentor and source of strength. Amen.