Has God Abandoned Me?
Has God ever left you?
Growing up, hearing the scripture “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:8), I took God’s presence for granted. I knew He wouldn’t leave me, but I didn’t understand how I would end up leaving Him time and time again throughout my life. I didn’t understand that although He doesn’t leave us, we can feel void of His presence.
I used to think that God wouldn’t leave me because He wanted me to be happy, to be safe, to be secure. Over the years I have come to understand that my happiness is really not something Jesus is concerned about. It’s not about me at all. God doesn’t leave us because our being in His presence brings Him glory. We are nothing without Him, we can do no good thing apart from Him. His Spirit in us is what changes lives, produces fruit, and does good work.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6)
The idea that Jesus won’t leave or forsake us isn’t some fluffy Hallmark card made to make us feel good. It’s the transformative power of Christ at work in our lives. It’s for those good works He has in store for us, to build up His Church, to further His Kingdom, for the sake of His glory.
During one dark time in my life, I felt like God didn’t care. He was not showing up for me, He wasn’t listening to my needs, He wasn’t taking away my pain. It was “me, me, me”. I withdrew, I became bitter, I was angry, I hated the church.
Something within me decided to sign up to serve in our church’s local outreach ministry. Within a week of serving there, the darkness lifted. Stepping outside of my selfish, emotional angst allowed the Spirit (living in me) to be heard and felt. It was like Jesus was tapping me on the shoulder, saying, “This is what you were made to do.” To serve, to love others, to be obedient. He hadn’t left me; I had turned my back on Him. I had plugged my ears and stomped my feet like a toddler not getting my way, as He waited patiently for me to give up my pride. But the beautiful end result was not (merely) my happiness. It was His faithfulness being glorified in my life.
Everyone’s story has good and bad woven together, with God’s faithfulness being the constant. How has His faithfulness been woven into your story?
Meet the Author
Hannah Carpenter
Hannah is a follower of Jesus, a mom to five, and a wife of 20 years. As a creative, she is passionate about bringing writing, painting, and beauty to the Lord as a form of worship. A true Wisconsinite, Hannah’s favorite place to be is on the lake with a good book, some snacks, and her family.
