God's Astonishing Promise

Read: Hebrews 13:5-6
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." —Hebrews 13:5

The writer to the Hebrews quotes God as saying to His people, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). How does that strike you? Is it just some pleasant piety that evokes a wide yawn?

This isn’t like saying we have coffee with the President or a Supreme Court justice. Knowing people like that would say something significant about us. But to claim that God is with us every moment of every day, as close as our skin, in every turn of life, tear-stained or drenched in smiles—some would say that borders on insanity.

Yet throughout history men and women have staked their lives on that truth. Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Joshua, David, Esther, just to name a few. The promise was true for them, but how can we know it’s true for us?

It is true for us because of Jesus. By His coming, He says, “I want to be with you; I gave Myself to you; I gave Myself for you. Do you really think I would ever forsake you?”

How do you respond to this astonishing promise? Say it’s too good to be true. Say it sounds unbelievable. But don’t ignore it. In your hurts, your fears, your struggles, your temptations, there is no more wonderful promise than this: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”


Though all around is darkness,

   Earthly joys have flown;

   My Savior whispers His promise

   Never to leave me alone. —Anon.

No matter where you go, God goes with you.

by Haddon W. Robinson

Verse of the day

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21
New International Version 

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
Isn't it funny that when we set off to find happiness or joy or significance or meaning, we seldom find it. Instead, when we offer to serve others and give ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord and His work, it is then that we find what we most need. 

MY PRAYER...
O Giver of every good and perfect gift, I ask today that You give me a chance to serve you and others in a way which shows your kingdom and its glory. If in the process You choose to meet the needs in my own heart, then I thank You. This I pray through your servant Jesus. Amen.