Never Forsaken
How many times does the Lord promise us in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us? Throughout scripture, we can find this constant promise, and if that is true, then we have no reason to fear for our future, not just collectively for the church, but for our future also. We are living in uncertain times. It may even seem like things in your life are out of control, but that can be a good thing if we submit to God’s purpose. God speaks to us in the circumstances beyond our control, and he has promised to work everything for our good if we can but trust in Him and know that He has not forsaken us. God’s faithfulness as our forever friend makes us see the reality of His ever-present help in times of trouble.
Listen to what David said in Psalm 138:8 (KJV), “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” The NLT version says, “The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”
True friendship is a rare jewel in today’s world. People may say, “I am your friend,” or “I want to be your friend,” but are quick to abandon you, leaving you with hurt and bitterness. Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Jesus, and Thomas struggled to have faith in Jesus. Yet all three of these biblical characters were Jesus’ disciples. They walked where Jesus walked and learned to minister where He ministered. Jesus was supposed to rely on them, yet they all failed Him in these moments.
Unfortunately, we can’t prevent every moment of hurt we may face in our lives, but we can learn to be a friend like Jesus. Through these moments of failure, Jesus taught His disciples how to be like Him. John 13:34 (KJV) says, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Judas had just left the last supper to betray Jesus, yet he commanded the disciples to love one another as He loved them. He was teaching His disciples a fundamental principle in fulfilling the works of the Kingdom of God.
As God puts His people through situations where we have to lean on Him, He teaches us to be more like Him. The disciples relied on Jesus every day that they physically walked with Him. Still, after Jesus ascended into Heaven, they would soon face troublesome circumstances where they would have to rely upon Him spiritually. Despite the trying times to come, He still commanded them to help the hurting and show them the love of God. God wants to teach us to be faithful friends to those around us, just as He is a loyal friend to us.
Sometimes God uses human beings to become His ambassadors. We can be friends in the flesh to the lonely and brokenhearted by listening, encouraging, and comforting them. God cares deeply for the oppressed and the hurting. According to Micah 6:8 (KJV), the Lord requires this of us, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” God has put it on my heart to become the kind of friend He can use to express that mercy so others may live and breathe.
Despite Judas’s betrayal, Peter’s denial, and Thomas’s doubt—Jesus never forsook them. Each of their decisions led them further from Jesus or closer to Him. Even so, Jesus never abandoned them, just as He has not forsaken us today. Through it all, Jesus is still our ever-faithful friend and is still perfecting and teaching us. As we show mercy and the love of God to those who are hurting, so will God comfort us. Remember as you walk through these difficult times, God is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and you are never forsaken.
