When a loved one leaves like this, it can feel a lot like a
death. I remember several years ago when
my BFF at the time, a woman I considered a sister, walked out of my life right
as I was in the middle of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Oh, how I agonized and analyzed every word I had said to her during our last – seemingly
wonderful – dinner together. I searched
my heart for weeks, looking for some clue as to what would’ve caused her to
betray our friendship like that. As physically
sick and emotionally wrought as I was at the time, I didn’t have the strength
to “pursue” her. Not only that, I knew
her well enough to know that whatever the reason, she wasn’t going to “come
back”.
It took a while but I recovered, both physically and
emotionally. My health is very good now
and I have made many new friends since then. Friends that fill my life with laughter,
love and Godly wisdom.
One thing, and one thing only, do I attribute my restoration
to: I am loved by the God Who Never
Leaves.
Jesus, when He walked this earth, experienced the painful
betrayal of family and friends. He knows
what it feels like when someone leaves you in your darkest hour. He understands the humiliation and heartache
of rejection.
And because of this, He knows exactly how to comfort us when
someone does this to us.
His strength becomes our strength so that we can feel joy and hope again. Isaiah 61:1-3 says that Jesus came to bind up
the brokenhearted, to comfort those who mourn, and to give beauty, joy and
praise to us when we’re mourning and in despair.
Friend, have you been abandoned and betrayed by someone you
love? Come to Jesus! Forgive those that have wounded you and let the Healer restore you to wholeness and peace.
He has always been, and will always be, the God who will
never leave!
Janece
