He Never Leaves You
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:
for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest
(Joshua 1:9).
The scripture above was God’s message to
Joshua, as he led the children of Israel through
the wilderness. God said to him, “Be not afraid.” Why?
Because there were frightful experiences in his way.
But God said, “Be not afraid.” Then He took it further;
He said, “…neither be thou dismayed.” When things
begin to look like you’ve been defeated, don’t be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you. What
an assurance!
Many years ago, I heard a story that’s remained
indelibly on my mind. A Pastor told a story of how God
visited a certain man in a vision. As he and the Lord
walked together, the Lord assured him “I am with you
no matter how difficult the journey may be.” Though
he couldn’t see the Lord, he could see the footprints.
As they journeyed, there were two different footprints
so, he was sure the Lord was with him. Every now and
then, he looked and saw the Lord’s footprints, and
kept going.
At a point, things got tougher and harder. Then
he looked, but this time saw only one footprint! He
cried and said, “Lord, where are you? Things are worse
here! How could you leave me now that I need you the
most?” Then he heard the voice of God, “I’m still here.”
But the man said, “No, I was seeing your footprints
all along; but you’ve stopped. All I see now are my
footprints.” Then God said, “No, the footprints that
you see aren’t your footprints; they’re mine, because
I’m now carrying you.”
What a soul-stirring response from the Lord! How
loving our God is! Even when we’re not aware, and
it looks like He’s left us, He’s there. The man was
crying because he thought he was alone. But God was
carrying him. He has said, “…I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). At the most difficult
part of the journey, He’ll carry you.
Those times you look around and don’t seem to
find any sign of His presence, the Lord is there with
you. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you; even when
everyone else deserts you, He’s always with you. So,
be encouraged; be strengthened, and be full of joy.
The Lord your God is with you, and He lives in you.
You’re never alone!
Prayer
Precious and loving Father, thank you for your love and
faithfulness. You’re gracious, compassionate and kind. I’m
strong and very courageous in the power of your might;
I’ll never be weary. Thank you for your grace and everlasting
presence. I adore you with all my heart. Amen.
Further study:
Isaiah 49:15; hebrews 13:5; deuteronomy 31:6
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 25:1-30
exodus 29-30
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 12:31-38
Genesis 36