101 Things That God Can't Do: Day 4- God can't forsake you

101 Things That God Can't Do: Day 4- God can't forsake you

…be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Sparks, M. (1996)

==Forsake is a very interesting word, it's not a commonly word used in your average day. Forsake means to abandon, to give up on. Many of us have felt forsaken in our lives at many different levels. Some experience it in their marriage, some experience it at work, often it is through friendships and other relationships. When the author of Hebrews wrote this statement, he was making it clear that God would never abandon us, he would never give up on us.

Here's a thought: It's almost ironic that the author of Hebrews is a bone of contention for many. An unknown author is making a very clear statement that God will never “not know who you are, not be there for you, and not care about you and will never abandon you”.  

Notice the context of the verse however. The author made it clear that we are to be content with what we have. I believe what he was trying to say is that at any given moment, what we have is what we need. That is not to say that what we have is what we want, or what we have is what we think we need. The author is clearly saying here that not only has God given us what we need presently; he will always be there to give us what we need in the future.

Clearly there are historical examples of when Christ’ followers were denied physical safety, food, water and humane treatment. In fact, the Bible and history is full of Christ’ followers who have martyred themselves for him. The author here is speaking less in physical terms and more in spiritual terms. We can never lose the hope that sustains us and the knowledge that God loves us and will give us the internal strength and resolve to get through every situation if we keep him the center of our lives.

This is certainly not easy from a humanistic point of view. Just as our children often disappoint us and sometimes as a parent I feel betrayed and disappointed, my children know that I always will be praying for them and supporting them in any way I can. Often, the only way I can do that is through words of encouragement or simply reminding them that I'm here for them. It doesn't mean that I have thousands of dollars to buy them things or physical skills to fix things or miracle medicines to heal illnesses. My children know that I love them and I will never abandon them.

How much more can our heavenly father offer us! The creator of all things, the builder of all worlds has told us that He will never abandon us. His truths will always hold true and His promises will never be broken. In a world where a spiritual battle is raging like it never has before, how comforting is it to know that our God, our Father, our spiritual “Commander in Chief” will never abandon his post to the enemy. We may lose battles on a day-to-day basis but the war has already been won.

MW