“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Heb. 13:5 KJV)
My early years were spent living with my stepfather and brother in Northern California. My brother David and I were pretty much used to the bachelor life and we could pretty much do whatever we wanted to do because Daddy was very relaxed about rules.
Then, in the summer of 1960, at about age 13, I went to live with my mother and her new husband, in Rabbit Creek, Alaska. They were not rich and lived in a log cabin along Rabbit Creek, where they got their water to drink and to bathe with. There was no hot water, no indoor plumbing, and no bathroom! We had to use an outhouse that was up a long path behind the cabin. It was severe culture shock for me and I did not react well to it! In fact, I had, what you might describe as an “attitude”.
That fall I started school
I didn’t like the long walks in the dark both ways to and from the school bus. I hated the 30-miles each way bus trips. It was a long, cold, hard, winter and I complained a lot!
On the last day of school
I was excited that the long walks and commutes were finally over! The school bus dropped me off as usual and I headed home to the cabin. Then I saw the note on the cabin door. It read! “Dear son, we have left for California . . .”
I couldn’t believe it!
They had left me! How could they have done that! I felt abandoned, rejected, and afraid! What happened next, I will save for later.
In life we may sometimes suffer rejection in one way or another from people. But, the Bible has a huge promise from God that we can stand on with complete assurance. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Heb. 13:5 KJV) I feel greatly assured and comforted by this wonderful promise! And, so should you!
Therefore…
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9 ESV)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:8 ESV)
“For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage;” (Psalm 94:14 ESV)