One summer, a college student named Johnny was ministering among the poor on a six-week urban project with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Los Angeles. Part of his assignment was to spend time in a convalescent home in the central part of the city.
This convalescent home smelled bad, was understaffed and was poorly kept. Few residents had visitors. For a new guest arriving to serve the residents, it was very awkward. Some residents were mentally ill; some were not responsive at all. Others were even hostile. Members of Johnny’s team were struggling in the first few days with why they had been called to serve there. “Why are we here?” “This is depressing.” “We can’t do anything to help.” Such remarks began to be made openly.
One day, after Johnny had been there for about a week, an elderly woman slowly walked up to him in the hallway where he was standing. She drew close and pointed a finger at him. “I know why you’re here,” she said in an accusatory tone. She paused and stared at him for a moment. Johnny didn’t know what to say. Findally, she went on. “I know why you’re here,” she said again. “You’re here because God wants us to know he hasn’t forgotten about us.
The woman turned and shuffled away. Johnny was stunned. With the words of this frail elderly woman, God revealed his purpose for this team. They were simply to remind people God had not forgotten about them.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Isaiah 44:21 - “I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you.”
I believe some of you need to hear this powerful reminder. God has not forgotten you.
The assurance that God is with us is the most precious gift we have. As Christian we know God is omnipresent. He is always with us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. But if you are like me, sometimes I forget. Sometimes life is so busy, stressful, and difficult that we fail to be aware of God’s presence.
In the Old Testament we see that even King David faced times when it felt as if God had forgotten him.
He wrote in Psalm 13:1 - “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”
It is when we go through those places of deep darkness, we think that God has completely abandoned us. But He hasn’t. In the midst of unspeakable sorrow, God is with you. Even if you do not feel Him near, God is there.
If you are struggling today, remember God has not forgotten you. He has engraved you on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:15–16). He will never fail you or forsake you. He will walk with you through every dark valley. The God who has numbered every hair on your head and knows every sparrow that falls to the ground is aware of every detail of your situation.
The Bible teaches us God never sleeps. He is actively involved in our lives. No matter how many times we call on him, he never turns us away. He is a faithful God who cannot lie or change his mind. Whatever he promises, he fulfills.
If you feel overwhelmed today, don’t think God has forgotten you. He is a faithful God who loves his children.
Today’s Challenge: No matter what you are feeling today, trust the promise of God to always be with you. Regardless of your circumstances, believe God’s Word that he will never leave you or forsake you.
