LEFT BEHIND
We’ve all heard tales of parents forgetting a child at a gas station or restaurant (or even “home alone”). Here’s a new twist about a dad who was left behind at a quick stop, as his family drove away. The Texas man, who wanted his name withheld (understandably), had driven all night and intended to crawl into the back seat for a little shut-eye. Apparently, his family assumed he was in the car, so off they headed down the highway. The unfortunate chap called everyone’s cell phones, but no one answered. Finally, borrowing a computer from a local motel, he reached them via Facebook. By that time, the family minivan was a hundred miles away. The dad is confident the entire incident was simply a huge mistake. Let’s hope so.
Can you imagine how this poor guy felt? Stranded, wondering how on earth he could go unnoticed by his family. If your own kin abandon you, how are you going to fare with the rest of humanity?
We’ve all faced times when we’ve felt “left behind,” rejected by others. Early in life, we experience preoccupied parents, playground bullies, and brutal breakups. The list continues ad infinitum. Eventually, we attach these rejections as labels to our very beings. “Neglected, Unloved, Loser, Failure.” Over time, we even allow these to define us.
Here’s the truth. We have a Father who will never leave us. No matter what the rest of the world thinks of us, no matter how much we mess up, even if every human being forsakes us, we’re each of immense value to God. In Hebrews 13:5 He promises, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” (AMP). That’s what you call a guarantee!
Deep in our souls, a longing cries out to know that we matter to someone. Nothing in this world can fulfill that desire, because we were designed to be loved and valued by our Father. We can rest assured, knowing even if our own kin abandon us, He never will.
If you ever feel “left behind” at the gas station of life, expect God to “pull up” and say, “Hop in. I’ve got room for you, and I will never, ever abandon you!”
Principle: We allow ourselves to be defined by the rejection we receive from others.
Promise: Our Father will never abandon or forsake us.
Ponder:
What labels do I tend to wear that others place on me?
How does God’s promise to never abandon me help shape my identity?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 27.
Prayer: “Father, I praise you for your assurance to never abandon me. During times when I feel rejected, help me look to you, and remind me of your promises”