Isn’t it an awesome thing knowing we can depend on someone? If all breaks loose in our lives, there may be at least one person we can turn to. Yet, for some people, they truly believe, even though they may NOT have someone to come to their aid, God is not with them, God is distant, God is not the God whom He says He is. Have you ever felt that way? What if I was to tell you today, in an attempt to breaking the mold of doubt, we serve a most righteous, loving, omnipotent and always present God, would you believe it? Do NOT take my word on it friends, all you have to do is read or listen to what God has done.
Stephen Mansfield tells a true story about a church that had an incredible ministry to men. For years the driving force behind the men's ministry was a man named Taylor. The ministry changed lives. But in the midst of a major transition within the church, Taylor got hurt deeply by his own community and he left the church. He wouldn't talk to anybody. People figured he'd come back eventually, but he didn't. Finally, some of the men in the church took it upon themselves to reach out to Brother Taylor. After some discussion they came up with a bold plan to set up camp in Taylor's yard—150 men! They set up rotating shifts and wouldn't leave until Taylor came out. They prepared for the long haul with gas generators, smokers and grills with great food and even had big signs made which stated "Taylor, come out." "We love you." "Taylor, we know you're in there." Although Taylor didn't appreciate it, he called the police nearly day after day. But on the sixth day, when Taylor opened the door for both the police and the encamped men, he finally broke down in tears. He portrayed his gratitude for these men who never gave up on him, as they all refused to leave him alone. Such is the power of committed, a vow from our sovereign and righteous God that will NEVER leave us or forsake us.
In starting our Journey today, we are going to look into the God who refuses to leave us. When we read 1 John chapter 3, we hear disciple John tell us, the God who is in fact God, is exactly who He says he is. And as we, His children, are loved so much, that we are declared, promised and forgiven as His children. Truth be told, as for much of us today, should we not return to what we already know about God, or do we believe in the worlds advice that we are alone, God is not with us, we are our own Gods! Rubbish! In verse 2 and 3, we see the terms ‘Just as He is’ mentioned, and when we read this, it clearly defines a God who never changes, “I am that I am.” It also portrays to those who love Him and seek Him, to also put upon themselves the total embodiment of God by way of the Holy Spirit. Could you imagine a God who left us to our own devices without hope or remedy? Just think how dark that would be. Truth be told, the real reason why we feel alone or separated from God is what the prophet Job tells us, “They say to God, ‘Depart from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways.” We want it our way! We know whats best! This is what selfish and sinful desires do!
A man was walking, not paying attention along narrow path, when suddenly he slipped and fell to the side of the cliff, clinging onto a tree branch. He cried for help but no one responded, but suddenly a voice said, “Do you need help?” The man obviously replied, “Yes I do please. Who are you?” The voice replied, “I am the Lord.” The man replied, “Please help me, Lord.” The Lord asked the man “Do you trust me?” The man said, “I trust you completely.” The Lord said, “Good, let go of the tree?” The man took a long pause and the Lord said again, “Let go of the tree.” The man then said, “Is anybody else up there?” Its amazing what you would say or agree too when you’re in dire straits. It’s the faith involved that truly puts us to the test. Consider a man terrified of flying. Before arriving at the airport, he buys insurance policies and once boarded he quietly buckles himself in his seat and speaks to no one. As time progressed in the flight, the man slowly started to feel safer talking to others, releasing his seat belt and being more relaxed. What changed? Is there more faith at 36,000 feet than being physically on the ground? Of course not! The more he learned about the object of faith, the plane, the more faith he exercised in that object. The more we learn of Christ, who He is to us, the more faith we place in Him during not just the good times but the bad. IN closing friends, believe me when I say, In scripture, God never left His people, never. The same God who split the waters wide open to deliver Israel, the same God who raised the dead, the same God who saved us from our sins, is the same God we serve today. Amen.
During an earthquake in a remote village in the Philippines, the villagers was alarmed but was seriously surprised at the calmness of an older woman whom they all knew and respected. One of them said, “Are you not afraid?” “No” the women replied, “I rejoice to know that I have a God who can shake the world.” Could you imagine having that kind of faith, even during the midst of serious turmoil? Prophet Jeremiah tells us “Oh, Lord God! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.”
God has unforsaken love which is not just for the “good” people (there are none), but for us all—a fallen, sinful, unlovely, rebellious people (Romans 3:10-23)—and yet He chose to shower us with His love (Romans 5:6-10) when we didn’t deserve it. I pray you can reflect upon this message to help you keep and have faith in the God that REFUSED TO LEAVE US. He will always be with us, guide us and strengthen us, even when we don’t realize it. But what we have to do, is allow Him to do it! Scripture tells us we can reject His goodness. When we experience the loneliness and separation from God, it is of our own making, no Gods. The prophet Isaiah said, “We trusted in him, and he saved us.”
I will leave you with the words from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18.
“What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? 13 And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray.”
Forgetting the God who never leaves us needs to be dealt with at all costs. The more we focus on Him, the more we realize who He is, and how His best interests is for us alone. Read Gods word, Pray without ceasing, Trust in the everlasting father, obey the God who never leaves us. Amen.