In Hebrews 13: 5(b) we find a promise from God. He said, “… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” And in 1 Corinthians 10:13 we find, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Sometimes I am guilty of “reading into” scripture things it simply doesn’t say. In these particular passages my “read into” is that as a Christian, and most assuredly as a preacher, God will “fix” all my problems and never “burden” me beyond my ability to bear. However, as noble as these seem, neither is true! God never promised to “fix” all my problems – nor did He promise to never burden me beyond my ability to bear. (There’s a big difference between a temptation and burden.) In fact, there are many areas and things in my life that are in a state of disrepair and my burdens often drive me to my knees. But what God did promise is the premise of my Encouraging Word to you today. He simply promised to take my life-journey with me. As pastors, I encourage you to realize, as I have, that regardless of your situation, you are living in a promise from God. He promised to take your life-journey – all of it – with you!
The words of an old song come to mind, “I’ve seen the lightning flashing, and heard the thunder roll. I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul. I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, telling me still to fight on. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone. Refrain: No, never alone. No, never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.”
Be encouraged today – and mount your pulpit this Sunday and preach as it would be pleasing to God for you to do!