Stranded but Never Abandoned

Bible Reading: John 14:1, 16-21

When Liam’s tutor had to leave their session at the library early, Liam was excited. His dad wasn’t due to pick him up for another fifteen minutes. It was rare for him to be without adult supervision.

He spent some time exploring the nooks and crannies of the library, never once hearing “Be careful!” or “Don’t touch that!” But after a while, he started to get bored. After forty-five minutes, he started to wonder why his dad was so late. He hated to admit it, but he was getting nervous.

“Can you call my mom, please?” he asked the librarian. “My dad is really late.”

“Why don’t I call your dad directly?” the aloof librarian asked impatiently.

“I only know my mom’s number,” Liam admitted, embarrassed. “My dad got a new job in the city and they gave him a new cell phone. I haven’t memorized the number yet.”

The librarian gave him an annoyed look and dialed his mom’s number. “She’s not answering,” she said, slamming down the phone after leaving a voicemail. “If someone isn’t here within fifteen minutes, protocol says we have to bring you to the police department to wait there. We close early on Fridays!”

Liam began to pray silently. God, I’m really nervous now. I don’t like this feeling. Please help me. The more he talked with God, the calmer he felt.

When his dad finally pulled up a few minutes later, Liam grabbed his backpack and headed to the car.

“Hi, Dad,” he said, without a speck of nervousness or irritation.

“I’m so sorry, Liam,” his dad said. “I’m not used to how much traffic there is on my new commute. I should have left earlier.”

“That’s okay,” Liam said. “The cool thing is, when I got worried, I prayed. That’s when I felt God with me, and all the nervousness went away.”

“You did the right thing,” Dad said. “Life on earth can be very unpredictable. Even though it may seem like people have abandoned you, God never, ever will. You’re His child. He’ll always be with you and help you, no matter how crazy things get. Talk to Him when you feel alone and afraid, and He’ll help you know He’s with you.” Claire McGarry

How About You?

Has anyone ever been late picking you up? Or have your friends gone off without you? Although things may happen that make you feel all alone, you never really are. If you know Jesus, He is always with you. Talk to Him when you feel afraid. He will help you and will never leave you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 13:5 For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God will never abandon you, ever!