"The Unwavering Promise to Never Leave"
- Rita Larson
- Jul 23, 2023
- 3 min read
I had a friend who shared with me that while he was at work, he crossed paths with a homeless gentleman. The gentleman was upset and confrontational with my friend. However, my friend continued to speak with him and ended up having an in-depth conversation. In the midst of the conversation, the gentleman asked my friend, "Why does Jesus hate me?" The gentleman, who was clearly at a low point in his life, shared that he had given his heart to the Lord years ago and did not understand why he was in his current state of affairs. He voiced feeling abandoned by God. My friend shared that he was able to speak life into his situation and pray with him, planting seeds that hopefully will open doors for God to do a work of transformation. How did he get into this situation? I don't know his full story, but I do know that God will never abandon us. God will never leave us, but sometimes the choices that we make put distance between us and God. We forsake God in our choices, but He will never forsake us. We may suffer consequences for the choices that we make that our outside of God's will.
In life, we are faced every day with countless choices that shape our future and dictate the course of our journey. It is during these moments of uncertainty that we long for stability and reassurance. Thankfully, as believers, we have the unwavering promise of God that He will never leave us or forsake us. This foundational truth is rooted in the character of God, and it serves as a guiding light in our lives.
In Hebrews 13:5, we encounter the powerful proclamation of God's unwavering commitment to His children: "He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" This promise, echoed throughout Scripture, was first given to Joshua and the people of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:6). Moses, their faithful leader, reminded Joshua of God's presence, assuring him that the Lord would go before him and never abandon him (Deuteronomy 31:8). This promise was not exclusive to Joshua, but rather, it extended to all those who trust in God and seek to follow His ways.
Throughout the Old Testament, we witness God's faithfulness in His promises to various individuals. Jacob, the patriarch of Israel, received the assurance of God's abiding presence and protection (Genesis 28:15). Solomon, known for his wisdom, was reminded of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him (1 Chronicles 28:20). Even the poor and needy found solace in the promise that God would never leave them (Isaiah 41:17). These examples highlight the timeless nature of God's promises and His unwavering commitment to His people.
In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews reiterates the promise of God's eternal presence with believers (Hebrews 13:5). This assurance is preceded by a command to keep our lives free from the love of money and to be content with what we have. Instead of placing our trust in material possessions, which are temporary and fleeting, we are urged to put our hope in God who promises to never leave or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). The riches of this world may come and go, but the Lord remains steadfast, always by our side. Our faith and trust should be solely in Him.
At the moment of salvation, Christians are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who is God Himself (Acts 5:3-4). It is through the Holy Spirit that we experience the tangible presence of God in our lives. Jesus, before His ascension, assured His disciples that He would be with them always (Matthew 28:20). This promise extends to present-day believers, emphasizing that the same God who never left Joshua is the same God who will never leave us. The Holy Spirit serves as a constant reminder of God's abiding presence, by guiding, comforting, teaching and empowering us throughout our lifetime.
In a world filled with uncertainty and change, the faithful promises of God provide us with an unshakable foundation. We have to build our life upon that firm foundation. When we do, He has made a promise that He never leaves or forsakes His children, offering unwavering love, provision, and guidance. Through faith, we can experience the abiding presence of God, finding courage, strength, and peace in every season of life. As we place our trust in Him, we are reminded that He is faithful to His promises, and His love endures forever. Let us hold fast to the assurance that God is always with us, guiding us with His lovingkindness, and leading us into a future filled with hope and purpose. ©Rita Larson 7/23/2023
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