“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
~ Deuteronomy 31:6/NIV
Have you ever had episodes of loneliness in your life? I believe we all have at one point or another. Often, we may be in the midst of a transition going from one place in life to another where the previous close acquaintances are left behind—moving and relocating because of a job—heading off to college. Perhaps the person is a modern-day missionary, and God has called them to the far side of the world for ministry endeavors. As we are God’s workmanship created through Christ Jesus to do good works, we may be continually on the move for good reasons!
We may experience loneliness because our current acquaintances disagree with our mission and priorities, and they choose to leave. Often we could do all the right things per God’s plan and will for us, but our associates may not value the same as us, and they move on. In the writings of the Apostle Paul, he notes feeling abandoned and rejected by former friends and acquaintances. In 2 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes: “You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes” (NIV). In his New Testament writings, Paul mentions being abandoned by many others.
Contrastingly, as we lose friends or acquaintances, others with the right intentions and qualities can emerge! Let’s review Paul’s writings further (2 Timothy 2:16-18) “May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.”
Considering the focal verse, as a believer in the “true God” and His Son, Jesus Christ, I know He will never leave or forsake me! As I reflect upon my life, I also recognize relationships that were not helpful, and there was a parting of ways. However, I have friendships that God has blessed me with that I have had since childhood, which provides me with encouragement and support. Though I may not see God or hear His voice, I believe He has sent people to me who have provided me with the strength, comfort, and encouragement He desired for me to have. I know God will never leave me nor forsake me…He is always present…sometimes He speaks to me through his godly messengers! Amen!
Many blessings to you!
Self-reflection consideration: Who are the people around me in my life that could be messengers from God?
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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