The Five Minute Friday prompt this week is … Abandon. You can click at the bottom of this post to get to Kate Motaung’s site and read all that has been shared on this word.
Dictionary.com defines ‘abandon’ as “to leave completely and finally; forsake utterly; desert; withdraw from.”
The definitions bring the reminder that our God will never give up on any on us. He is not a God who will walk away from our relationship.
As I sit in the early morning light, while it is still dark outside, it is a comfort to know God will stick by us through thick and thin. There is not a circumstance He will not walk through with us …
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.
We are perplexed, but now driven to despair.
We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.
We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
(2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NLT)
We may be fragile but Paul reminds us that God infuses us with power to be stronger than we are in ourselves. Divine power is at work within us.
Persecution may come from people or governments that oppose our faith but God will not abandon His own.
Friends and family relationships may fall by the wayside, yet our God will not ever give up or walk away, for He faithful.
Paul had experienced blows of many sorts in his life and ministry, but remained because he was being held together by a God who was with him in all things.
The words to the song I had been humming for a few days began to rise in me again …
“Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful.”
(from “Never Once” by Matt Redman)
We do not walk alone.
God is faithful.
We will never be abandoned by God.
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith Filled Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends and #DanceWithJesus and Fresh Market Friday .
Beautiful words! Thank you for sharing this encouraging post, Joanne. This world can feel lonely sometimes. But today I’m standing on the promise that God is with me, no matter what! Blessings!
Liz, there are surely lonely days. But I am glad that even on those days, I am not ever alone. You made me realize there is a very distinct difference between being lonely and being alone. Blessings!
Never once.
So thankful for this truth.
Thank you, Joanne.
Never once and not ever will be. So grateful, Michele.
So thankful God walks with us through all circumstances! I included that song in my post too and the verses from 2 Corinthians were also in my mind though I didn’t quote them in the end!
Lesley, I love that the same song came to mind. One word prompt can move us all to sing like a choir 🙂
THAT song is one of my all-time favorites. I cry every single time we sing it in worship. And, your words went the same direction as mine. ♥xo♥ #18 next to #19, we make good neighbors!
You know that song and Matt’s story are a wonderful example of the fact that God never leaves us, even in the hard and the difficult things and the way God makes a way and makes it possible to live and love in spite of tragedy. His wife’s devotional was such an encouragement to me.
I am so glad our Heavenly Father never abandons us. (Psalm 139!!)
Blessings
Dawn
Susan, we make very good neighbors 🙂 This word prompt brought that song and then Mary Beth Chapman’s book to mind. We may not like what we go through in life, but I am so grateful God not only makes a way to get through but He goes through with us. Blessings my friend! xo
Joanne,
Thank you for this powerful reminder. So encouraging 🙂 Thanks!
So thankful He never leaves US and He IS faithful! Thanks for the reminder.
Beautiful reflection — and that song is so powerful. We need to hear the truth in these words daily. Thanks for sharing.
The song speaks to me every time I listen to it. Never once. And He never will. Have a blessed Sunday!
What a beautifully comforting post Joanne! There is such a peace knowing even in our darkest moments, He is there.