How God is Testing Us All

This meditation is based on a passage for October 17, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Reflection and Question: The preacher’s cadence is audible in this section of Paul’s effort to bring some harmony to the conflict in the Corinthian church. The repeated phrase, “as some of them did,” binds the faithful in Corinth with the ancestors. It also binds us with people in both eras for Paul is reminding us of one of his central themes: We have all been put to the test and fallen short. At the same time, God has not let us “be tested beyond our strength,” and “will provide the way out so that we may endure it.” What are the ways by which God helps us endure, even as we sin?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, thank You for the reminder that testing is common to everyone and that none will be tested beyond their strength. May this assurance sustain us all, especially our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters who are so sorely tested. Amen.