Growing up on a farm, we “adopted” dozens of orphaned baby animals to raise through the years.
Sometimes it was a family of tiny baby bunnies after a dog got ahold of their mama. Or maybe some kittens who’s mom went MIA. (We always waited for her to come back… but she didn’t.) Perhaps it was the baby calves who were born during a blizzard and took up residence in our bathtub, back porch or garage til they were back on their feet or a new mama could be found for them. Sometimes it was a baby bird who had fallen from the nest. You name it… we probably tried to raise it.
We were a tender-hearted bunch and couldn’t bear to see these little ones abandoned, orphaned and all alone to fend for themselves.
Today’s Hidden Ah-Ha Bible Verse reminds us that Christ feels the same way about us as we felt bout those dozens of abandoned animal babies:
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” ~John 14:18 NIV
What an awesome promise, huh? Regardless of whether we do have a biological mom or dad (or how loving and Christ-like they may or may not have been) we are NOT alone and abandoned in this world.
Jesus had a tender, loving heart towards us and desires to shelter, love, and protect us at all costs. God has given us The Holy Spirit to do just that.
Jesus promises us that He will NOT leave us as orphans in this messy world– but will be with us. Always.
He actually makes this promise to His disciples after He informs His boys that He will be “going away” (foreshadowing His imminent crucifixion) and they are (rightfully) freaking out because the disciples don’t want Him to go ANYWHERE. Like, ever. He’s the boss. But even more so, their friend and Christian brother.
So I understand their concern.
Although they (obviously) couldn’t talk, I am willing to bet that those little animals that we “adopted” were typically cold, hungry, weak, scared, overwhelmed, unloved and helpless.
I don’t know about you… But I feel like that some days too– even with a loving husband, daughter, parents and friends to cheer me on.
Sometimes, I need something greater. Stronger. More powerful. Holy. Mighty.
I need Jesus.
I’m guessing that you might too.
So dear friends, no matter what you are facing today, be it fear, loneliness, feeling unloved, overwhelmed, remember…
We are NOT alone.
We have NOT been abandoned.
We are NOT an orphans.
We are sons and daughters of the Most High, Most Holy, Most Tender, Most Loving…
We have a Forever Family… In Jesus.
Forever His,
SGK
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” ~John 14:3 NIV
PS: If you are feeling distant from God today or not sure where you stand in relationship to Him, I would love to talk with you about it. Feel free to send me an email via sharita{dot}knobloch{at}gmail{dot}com, shoot me a message on Twitter or Facebook or even leave a comment below.
