HE CAN BE TRUSTED…
The truth of the title is backed up many times throughout the Bible, but in the New Testament book of Hebrews we read; “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” The word that stands out, that wraps its arms around you and steadies your knees is “never.”
He, the God of all, the one who created all that is; who upholds the universe by a word; who is omnipotent, will never abandon you, and He said so using the same mouth that spoke the universe into existence. How powerful a promise is it then?
He will “never” leave you. This word “never,” is in no way ambiguous. God – who created you and saved you through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ – has stated that He will never forsake you. This is a promise of God from both the Old Testament and New Testament.
Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt, through the desert and the Red Sea. Moses spoke directly to God and in turn delivered God’s word directly to the people. For this, Moses was revered.
In reading the story of the children of Israel leaving captivity and entering the desert, we find that Joshua was an integral part. He and Caleb were the two spies who scouted the Promised Land before telling Moses and the people that they could indeed secure the object of God’s promise.
The first time we encounter God’s eternal promise of endless communion is in Joshua 1:5, when Joshua takes over the leadership of the children of Israel from Moses. Joshua becomes responsible for the entire nation, and ultimately, the distribution of the land they were promised.
God takes the time to encourage Joshua, reassuring him that as He was with Moses, He would also be with him. God goes on to tell him to be strong and courageous because of His presence with Joshua; God would never, absolutely not ever, leave him no matter how intense and seemingly hopeless the situation.
Dr. Thomas White, President of Cedarville College in Cedarville, OH said these amazing words of encouragement: “God is faithful, He can be trusted.” He is faithful because He is ever present and all-powerful and He will never leave or forsake any of His children.
If you want to encounter this reassurance for yourself, read the stories of followers of Jesus in the lands where the Islamic State is taking over. There are magnificent testimonies of those who have been given strength and courage by God, enabling them to defy the brutal persecution and in many cases, martyrdom that follows their refusal to deny His name.
They know that He is with them at all times and they place their trust in Him.
We must pray for those in the Middle East that are enduring such persecution and those who find themselves being called infidels simply because they believe in Jesus. Let us come along side of them and pray on their behalf for this great God to continue to strengthen and comfort them during these trials. May they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is faithful and He can be trusted.
May they also know that followers of Jesus in the West are praying right along with them during their severe trials.
If you are not a follower of Jesus, the God-man, may He reveal Himself to you through His Word, through another follower of Jesus or through dreams and visions. God is faithful and He can be trusted.