I WIll Never Leave You Nor Forsake You
Heart Inspirations has been quiet for almost four weeks…..
……some of you may have wondered why, and so, I’ll share with you….
……others already know why …..and have been sending many prayers heaven-ward, for which we can never sufficiently thank you!! That means so, so much to us!!
You see, as I’m writing this, I’m sitting beside my husband’s hospital bed…my husband whom I love so deeply…the one I have been gifted to share life with….while oxygen hisses and IV’s are draining into his veins.
About three and a half weeks ago, we came to this place–and he actually walked in himself–for a serious cancer surgery. One never considers undergoing something like that without feeling its seriousness. And yet at the same time, his trust in God’s care, which would hold him whether he lived or died, was unshakeable….and his trust lives even more vibrantly today!
We were all so relieved that the surgery was a great success…
……but then, something went horribly wrong!
And he suffered a massive stroke that almost ripped him away…
……..we then spent days, weeks, just waiting and praying….hoping he would survive, while he was fighting for his life, from the stroke and many other complications! And we praise the God of Heaven, because he is still with us!!!!
In these dark and painful times, we know with certainty that we can either lean on the LORD and cling to Him…being nurtured by His care and provision through the pain….or we can handle it all alone.
Completely alone!
God will let us choose!
But if we make Him our choice, it can be beautiful…and He guarantees some amazing promises!
Before my husband’s surgery, dear and precious friends reminded us of a life-anchoring passage, just one of the beautiful promises of God:
Hebrews 13:5-6 says,
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So we may boldly say:
“The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”
Such an amazing promise—made by the LORD to His children!!!
Never will He leave nor forsake His children!!!
But what does that mean: that God will never leave nor forsake? It means that He is faithful!! That we never need to fear—that we’ll never be deserted by Him–that we’ll never be alone–never be left behind–as long as we are His–giving Him our lives and our hearts, in happy obedience!!
Some days ago, our daughter and I visited the hospital’s beautiful garden and sat in the gazebo together to share a meal. As we did, little birds came near, looking for crumbs. We were all too happy to oblige the tiny dinner guests, and as we tossed them crumbs, our daughter, being a professional photographer, snapped these pictures of them.
They didn’t trust us at first….but eagerly wanting the food, they were willing to stick around, to watch and discover that we were gentle and trust-worthy, just wanting to share our food with them without posing a risk or wanting anything in return…..but the joy of watching them feed and flit about!
As we observed the little creatures, we noticed that some were cautious or timid, others were bold, and some even greedy, but all of them were special in their own way.
Have you ever considered God’s observation of us? He doesn’t watch from afar, but is close at hand, and within reach, watching out for…caring and protecting those who are His….and He promises His own that they are special to Him!! We are most surely of more value than many sparrows!!
That doesn’t mean the difficult times won’t come to us…because they will….but what it means is that God is so mindful of each of us…and I love that! We are precious in His sight…never left alone…never forsaken!! We can trust Him…we may trust His goodness and His mercy!! And that’s a wonderful blessing…and a great reason to hope in God!!
Praise God!
Hugs to your heart!
Lisa
Heart Inspirations 
Lisa, your and John’s faith in God is an inspiration to all of us. I will continue to pray for your family and ask God to please give John some relief from the terrible pain that he is in and that he will eventually return to preaching God’s words to us. I love you.
Much, much thanks dear Peggy!!
Your prayers for John are cherished—and so are you!
Hugs and love, dear friend!
Thank you,
I needed your words today. We too, are facing a difficult journey, and sometimes grow weary, but your words, and God’s, remind me – He is watching, and caring, and not forgetting – I pray for you and your husband and family.
Elinore
Hugs to you, friend!!
The difficult journeys do come….but it’s wonderful that we do not have to make the difficult journeys all alone!
I love that!
James 4:8!
You have shown in this post how a firm trust in God can allow us to find beauty and hope even amidst fearful day-to-day struggles. We are continuing to pray for you and John!! Much love to you always!!
Much, much thanks for your prayers and love!! That so special!!
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