"Stay beside Me; I won't leave you." These words were God's encouragement to Maria when, after a lifetime of searching for Truth, she surrendered her life to Christ.
As her new faith became more evident, Maria faced heartbreaking and terrifying rejection from her Muslim family. Sensing her life was in danger, Maria fled to another country. "Because of Jesus, I have lost my mother," Maria says. "Because of my love for Jesus, I have been separated from my family."
"Stay beside Me; I won't leave you." These words that provided comfort to Maria are for you, too.
Where do you turn when the world rejects you? You turn to God's Word—and remember His promises.
Read 2 Timothy 1:7-14, 3:12-17. As Paul contemplated his own departure from this world, sitting chained in a Roman dungeon, he wrote to encourage Timothy never to give up.
Probably the same devil that was discouraging Timothy is discouraging you today. But what Paul wanted Timothy to know is that a life enslaved to fear is not God's desire for his sons and daughters: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul directed Timothy to continue in the Holy Scriptures that prepare the servant of God for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17). How does God's Word do this? It leads us to Jesus Christ.
Life is full of troubles, and godly people will always arouse the antagonism of the worldly. But when we are tempted to fear in the face of rejection, we must turn to the Word of God. It gives us comfort and strength. It is a light that keeps us walking with God until we get to the other side of glory.
"Stay beside Me; I won't leave you." These words that provided comfort to Maria are for you, too. They are found all over the pages of Scripture (see Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).
Are you broken today? The Word of God will bind your broken heart. Are you lonely and hurting? The Word of God will comfort and soothe your wounds. Are you carrying a load of guilt? The Word of God will tell you exactly how to be released and forgiven. Are you sad? The Word of God will give you joy. Are you lost and can't find the way? The Word of God is a lamp to guide you to the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You will never leave nor forsake me. You have adopted me and made me Your own. May I seek comfort from Your very Word in every trial. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Don't Ever Give Up: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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