Never Abandoned

Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:5-6

Matt tightened his helmet and straddled his all-terrain vehicle. “The gas tanks are full,” he shouted to Tim over the engine roar.

“Let’s tear up the trails.”

Tim kick-started his engine and revved the motor. “Oh yeah. I have the need for speed.”

“Follow me,” Matt called. He hit the gas, spinning the tires and shooting dirt and gravel everywhere.

They steered their ATVs onto the old freight train route, which had long been abandoned. The wood ties and steel rails had been removed years ago, leaving miles of continuous trails.

After several miles, they entered a secluded clearing with a dozen old, abandoned train cabooses nearly hidden from view. Both boys skidded to a stop, cut their engines, and pulled off their helmets.

“It looks like a caboose graveyard,” Matt said.

Tim nodded. “Let’s explore.”

They set their helmets on the ATVs and walked toward the cabooses.

“You think there’s anything—or anyone—living inside them?” Matt asked.

“We’ll know in a minute,” Tim said. “The first caboose has a broken door. Let’s go inside.”

Tim pushed the door. It creaked as it opened, sounding like a haunted house. “This is so cool,” he said.

They checked each caboose. They were all identical, with fading paint, cracked windows, and sagging doors.

Tim scratched his head. “Why would anyone abandon them?”

Matt picked up a piece of rotting wood. “Somebody felt they weren’t important anymore.”

“I’m glad,” Tim said, “that Jesus doesn’t feel that way about us.”

Matt tossed the wood into the tall grass. “The Bible says that Jesus will never abandon us.”

Tim smiled. “No matter what trail of life we’re on!”

“That’s right,” Matt said. “He loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins. We’re always important to Him.”

Tim looked at the darkening sky. “We’d better head back. But I hate to just leave these things. I wonder if I can adopt a caboose.”

Matt laughed. “Have fun getting it home!” – Matt Shoemaker

How About You?

Have you ever been abandoned? Have you ever abandoned someone yourself? Jesus will never abandon those who trust in Him. No matter where we go, no matter what we do, He promises to always be with us. It’s comforting to know that the Creator of the universe loves us so much that He died for our sins so He could always be with us.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus will never abandon us