Recently I listened to a sermon where the preacher spoke about how he met a man who was going through extreme hardships. When he asked the man HOW he was surviving and handling the trials, the man replied, “Of course I manage well because there are TWO of us” meaning that Jesus and Holy Spirit were with him.
That gave me pause to realize that if all of us went through life with this same kind of attitude, we would cope so much better when life’s uncertain difficulties hit us.
I was drawn to the Gospel of John where it is quoted a few times that Jesus loved John. John 19:26 – “There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” John 21:7 – “The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ”It is the Lord!” John 21:20 – “Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them.”
John himself confirmed in John 21:24 – “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down.”
John was not ashamed to write that Jesus loved him because he felt secure in Christ’s love and acceptance. He also realized, when he wrote his Gospel, that he was never alone, even if his Master was physically not with him.
Jesus will NEVER leave you nor forsake you! When the Israelites faced enormous enemy armies, Moses assured them and Joshua, “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.” (Deut. 31:6) God Himself told Joshua in Joshua 1:9, “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.”
No matter where we go or what we do, our Abba Father is with us. He knows our individual names! Isaiah 43:1 states, “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME, you are mine.’” (We can place our own names where it says “Jacob” and “Israel”.)
Blessed Abba Father, Thank you for Luke 12:7 where You assure us – “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Thank You that we are never ever alone, but that You are ALWAYS with us. Nothing can separate us from You. Thank You for Your word that says, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38 NLT) Thank You precious Good Shepherd that we are part of Your flock, that You lead us besides calm waters and green pastures to refresh us when we need peace and assurance. We love and worship You. Amen.
Myrtle Turunen