Called into the Fellowship

Paul the apostle wrote, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9, NKJV). This single verse opens us up to a truth that can see us through every storm of life. Here is a simple truth that can keep our hearts at rest when all things around us are shaken. Here is the Word of God that can keep us from the fear that now grips the whole world.

The truth is that we learn God’s faithfulness by answering our calling to stay in fellowship with Jesus.

We are not called to trust our own intellect. We are not called to trust in flesh or men or anything that is of this world. Jesus calls to us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Christ alone is our peace, confidence and contentment. I have experienced such great contentment when I see by faith my Lord in glory loving me, calling me into his sweet presence, telling me he is all-sufficient. I do not have to beg, plead or fear. The more I keep looking unto Jesus in all things, the more I know he is pleased, because without faith it is impossible to please him.

Sadly, many who truly love Jesus often panic in times of crisis, and they worry and fret. They spend time trying to figure out ways to escape or endure their trial. They do not heed his call to “come and dine” with him. I am not talking about spending one hour or so each day in prayer, I am talking about focusing on him all through the day. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This is simple, quiet conversation, just talking to him, becoming more acquainted with him, so that in crisis times we need not rush in consternation to a prayer closet and wail out for help like a stranger.

He hears all cries, loud and soft, and he will always answer us in his faithfulness.