God Has Not Forsaken You!

Psalm 94:14 ~ For the Lord will not forsake His people, He will not forsake His heritage.

What does it mean to forsake someone? It means to abandon, to leave behind, or to leave helpless.

Countless times in the bible God tells His people, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” In Deuteronomy 31:8, it says, “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.” In Joshua 1:9 God says, “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.”

As Jesus was hanging on the cross He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” In this moment in history we get a glimpse of Jesus Christ crying out as if God had forsaken Him. Many times, in our walk with God it will feel like, look like, and seem like God has forsaken us. However, the Word of God cancels out this lie. God is with us, even when it seems He’s not. In every test, trial, hurt, and pain…God is there. In every victory, blessing, triumph, and new chapter…God is there.

One of the lessons I’ve had to learn in my Christian walk is that, I must be extremely confident in my faith that no matter what I face, I know that God is with me and He is for me. No matter the circumstance, we must become mature Christians who can honestly trust God enough to say, “Not my will, but yours be done.” That’s not easy to do when you’re hurting, when nothing is working out for you, or you’ve been waiting on God to fulfill a promise He’s made many years ago. However, our faith must be unshakeable, immovable, and able to withstand any test, especially in these last days. In Genesis 37, we see God give Joseph a promise (dream). After that, we begin to witness a series of heartbreaking and difficult tests that Joseph endured. However, throughout his trying times, the bible declares that the Lord was with Joseph. Just as He was with Joseph, He is with us…in every circumstance.

Your suffering doesn’t equate to the absence of God’s presence. The fact that you’re going through
many tests and trials doesn’t indicate that God has forsaken you. In fact, it reveals the opposite. In Matthew 13:20-21, you’ll find the parable of the sower. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Trouble and persecution will come, because of the Word of God that lives in you. Don’t allow your present circumstances to force you to give up on God and essentially forfeit God’s promises to you.

James 1:2-4 tells us to “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” Be assured that your afflictions and hardships that God is allowing to take place in your life is working out for your good according to Romans 8:28.

It may not seem like it, but God is doing a good work in you. Philippians 1:6, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” As we see Jesus up on the cross and it seemed that God had abandoned Him, God was there, doing a good work. And so, it is with us, when God seems to have forsaken us or when He seems silent, He is doing a good work in us.

Be encouraged as you endure every test and trial that the Lord allows to come your way. He’s there with you. He will help you to endure. He will see you to the other side. Keep praying, keep fasting, and keep believing. God is with you.

Be Encouraged.
A.M.

Thunderstorms

Is. 43:2 ~ When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

As I sit here writing in my dimly lit bedroom, outside is a raging thunderstorm. The wind is blowing so harshly that it seems angry. My blinds are knocking loudly against my windows. The endless raindrops are steadily pouring from the sky into my apartment. My window panes are flooded with so much water that rain is literally gushing down the walls onto the carpet. To make matters worse, the thunder is extremely deafening and forceful. Although, I know it’s coming (because of the lightning), the thunder jolts me and stirs a little bit of fear within. Even in this God speaks. In the middle of the storm, God speaks to my heart, “Yes, the storm is loud, boisterous, out of control, and seems to be never-ending, but you know in your heart that it will subside. It will not rain forever. It will pass. Just as with every storm in your life, they will pass. It will not remain this way forever. Just wait it out.”

Many times, the storms in our lives, both public and private are in fact loud, boisterous, out of control, and seem never-ending. However, the Holy Spirit reminded me that this too shall pass, just like every other storm I’ve faced in life. I want to lovingly remind you that the storm you’re in right now, that seems like it will never let up, will indeed pass. Trials, tests, and tribulations are scary, tumultuous, and unpredictable, much like thunderstorms. During these storms, God commands us just as He did Joshua in Josh. 1:9, “To be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God is with you in the storm, in the battle, in the difficulty, in the unfair treatment, in the disappointment, and in the pain. He’s there and will get you through it.

Both thunderstorms and rain serve a purpose. Their purpose is far greater than our inconveniences and discomfort. God doesn’t check with us to see if a thunderstorm works with our agenda for the day. It just rains until He’s done. Likewise, the storms in our lives serve a purpose. It’s up to us to seek God’s face and ask Him. Word of advice: Never go through a storm and come out empty. God has a purpose for you in your storm (wisdom, understanding, greater anointing, increased faith, maturity, patience, knowing Him, etc.). Cancel the pity party and ask God, What are You saying to me? What are you trying to teach me? What is the lesson here? There is good in your storm. Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

The Holy Spirit also reminded me that God is in control. He controls the weather including the thunderstorms. So, it is with the storms in our lives, God is in control. He knows how long it will last and He knows how to get you through it. He is aware of your circumstances. We don’t have to walk around frustrated. According to 1 Peter 5:7, we can cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Therefore, cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22). The storm is not permanent, its only temporary. You are in the palm of His hands.

Be Encouraged.

A.M.