Into the wild

To the end

Have you ever been left? Like really left... I have. When I was in 2nd grade, my dad took my family to the Idaho County fair. I was so excited just to be walking the aisles of vendors and smelling all the fair food. I didn't get to do many special things as a child, so this was a rare treat for my family. My dad dropped me and my four siblings and Mom off and ran to get some cash from the ATM. "I'll be right back," he said, "I'll meet you inside the gate," but he never came back. I waited; hour after hour passed, and I never saw the brown Honda that should've been carrying my dad reappears at the gate.

This is a really sad story, but I know it's not unique. We've all been left at some point or another. Maybe you were left on the playground at school; everyone was chosen but you. Or maybe your spouse chose someone else after he made vows to you. That job you've wanted or the promotion you worked so hard for, went to someone else. Being left behind or "not chosen" happens to all of us and it hurts. It hurts so much that sometimes we end up building our lives around the fear of it happening again. When the truth is, all that time we've been afraid of being left, our Father in heaven is standing nearby, choosing you and promising to never leave you or forsake you (Deut. 31:6) not even to the end of time.

There was never a moment that God withdrew. He knows you, and He will be faithful to the end.

Prayer:
I pray these words will sink deep into those hurting parts of your heart today and you will learn to let your heart sing because He knows you and loves you to the end. Thank you, Jesus, because I know You're greater than our pain. I trust You even when it's hard for me, even when it cost me and I don't understand. You are more than enough for me. I love you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Verse of the day:

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
6 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."