Many a time, when your back is against the wall, your whole world appears turned against you and you feel alone and forsaken. Our text teaches us about such times. Those for who the Lord Jesus came and had pledged to sacrifice His life for their deliverance would not even hear Him! His response was deep and something to learn and take to heart. The same God who created us for relationship, and not to be alone is ever present when all else fails.

Since 2017, when with an empty nest, my earthly companion has had to be away for health reasons, to be close to medical attention, John 8:29 has been my song, and I sang it as often as I needed that it became part of me. Oh, what sweet assurance, what comfort to know that I am never alone, but that He is always with me because He sent me.

And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him. John 8:29 (AMPC)

I learnt to know that He loves me and remains faithful to His commitment.

The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! I will not leave you orphaned. I’m coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you’re going to see me because I am alive and you’re about to come alive. John 14:12-19 (MSG)

He became, and remains, my consuming passion and devotion. This, and His faithfulness, was my triumph over the satanic tools of depression, forsakenness and depression, and more, note verse 19, “I live because He lives.” Snap out of Satan’s grip for the Lord’s ever abiding presence is with you. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele