The Band Room That Lacked Nothing

When Marcus Thompson took over the music program at Riverside High in Memphis, half the instrument lockers were empty. Most students came from families that couldn't afford a trumpet, let alone private lessons. So Thompson did something remarkable — he wrote grants, called alumni, and knocked on doors until every student who wanted to play had an instrument in their hands.

But Thompson didn't stop at provision. He showed up at 6:30 every morning for extra practice sessions. He drove students to regional competitions in his own van. When seniors talked about quitting before the spring concert, he'd say the same thing: "I put that horn in your hands, and I'm going to be standing right there when you play your last note at graduation."

Fourteen years later, Riverside's band has never missed a commencement performance.

Paul opens his letter to the Corinthians with this same breathtaking assurance. God has not merely called you into fellowship with His Son and then stepped back to watch. He has enriched you in every way — in speech, in knowledge, in every spiritual gift. You lack nothing for the journey ahead. And the God who placed those gifts in your hands is faithful. He will keep you firm to the end, blameless on the day of Christ Jesus. The Almighty who called you will be standing right there when the final note sounds.