Get the app40 Days in the Word - Power of the Word Sample
Theme | I Will Not Leave You Or Abandon You
From | Andrew Hanna
Verses | Joshua 1:1-9, Joshua 3, Psalm 73:21-28, Hebrews 13:1-6
The first time we hear of the promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” was when it was first given to the people of God, and Joshua, before entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:6). Encouragingly, Moses reminded Joshua that, as the succeeding leader, “the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Joshua’s task of leading his people and conquering the Promised Land seemed impossible to him, but with the Lord the task was possible, for He would not forsake Joshua.
We are reminded by a similar statement in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God puts it in the form of a command, making it a sure promise for Joshua to move forward in the purposes of God.
Many other verses in the Old Testament include similar statements from God to individuals where He promises to never leave them.
In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews restates the promise of God’s eternal presence with believers (Hebrews 13:5). The promise is preceded by a command: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” Instead of trusting in riches or material goods, which will ultimately fail, as believers we should place our hope in God, who promises, “I will never leave you and I will never abandon you”. Riches and other resources can depart in a moment, but the Lord is with His children forever. Our faith and trust, therefore, should be in Him alone.
Prayer | Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your sure promise that You will never leave us nor abandon us - what a God of promise that we have on our side. I thank You for always keeping Your promises and that You are a God who has a proven track record. I ask that Your presence would continue to be evident in my life today. Amen.
About this Plan
God often uses “40 days” to complete a spiritual challenge. The challenge can involve overcoming temptation like Jesus in the desert, or preparing for an encounter with God like Moses on Mount Sinai, or the strengthening of an individual’s faith exemplified in stories like Noah’s Ark, Jonah, or David and Goliath. Over the next 40 days, we will engage with the Word, seek God, and take hold of His promises.
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