GOD PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE US
Joshua had a big challenge ahead of him. As if taking Moses’ place wasn’t enough of a challenge, he was to lead the Jews into the Promised Land and drive out the strong nations entrenched there. When he turned over leadership, Moses had important advice for Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Moses didn’t tell him, “You can do it!” The truth was that Joshua couldn’t do it – not by his own strength and ability. That’s why Moses said “God can do it!”
We may feel like Joshua. The work is too great for us. God is expecting too much. I can’t lead these people; it is too hard. God’s promise to Joshua is true for us today. We will always have God with us helping us, guiding us, protecting us and leading us. Joshua followed God and with His help the Promised land was conquered. When we remember His promise to us we will be ble to do whatever He wants from us as well.
The writer of Hebrews quotes Moses’ words and applies them to times of financial difficulty and material loss. Whether we have difficult decisions and battles to fight, like Joshua, or are facing personal challenges, like the writer of Hebrews refers to, God is with us. I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
The emphasis in the verse is on the word “never.” “NEVER will I leave you…” is how the Greek is structured. Under no conditions or circumstances will He desert us or turn His back on us. We never have to pray for Him to not depart, for He already said He won’t. That’s a promise, and God never breaks His promises!
Sometimes we think no one cares or understands, that even God has left us. When the situation we face is hard and painful we may feel He must have left us. The truth is that He can’t and He won’t. He promises to never turn from us. He never left Moses. He was with him at birth and through his years in Egypt. He was with him for the 40 years he was a shepherd in the wilderness. And He was with Moses when he returned and led the Jews to freedom. Moses’ wasn’t perfect during those times: He murdered a man, had an anger problem and struggled as a father and husband. Yet God never left Moses.
God never left Joshua, either. He was with him at Jericho and throughout one battle after the next. He was with Joshua as he conquered and subdued the Promised Land. Joshua didn’t have to do it alone. He couldn’t have. He didn’t have to for God was always there as He promised.
He will never leave us, either. If we are in danger like Daniel was, He will be with us. If we don’t always sense His presence, as the disciples during the storm on the Sea of Galilee while Jesus slept in the boat, He is still with us. Even if we leave Him, He will never leave us. He promised!
What are you facing today? Are you facing it with God or in your own strength? Are you believing the lie that you are alone and no one cares? Whatever is going on in your life, this short promise is one you should memorize and repeat daily.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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