April 18

He Never Fails

No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. — Josh 1:5 BSB

This promise to Joshua is often quoted, and it underlies that New Testament assurance: “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Beloved, a life of warfare is before us, but the Lord of Hosts is with us. Are we called to lead a great but fickle people? This promise guarantees us all the wisdom and prudence we need. Do we face cunning and powerful enemies? Here is strength and valor, prowess and victory. Have we a vast inheritance to claim? By this sign, we will achieve our purpose; the Lord Himself is with us.

It would be a great woe if Jehovah could fail us; but since this can never happen, our fears are quieted in the caverns of divine faithfulness. On no occasion will the Lord desert us. Whatever happens, He will be by our side. Friends may desert us, and their help may be as fleeting as an April shower, but God is faithful, Jesus is the same forever, and the Holy Spirit abides in us.

Come, my heart, be calm and hopeful today. Clouds may gather, but the Lord can blow them away. Since God will not fail me, my faith shall not fail; and as He will not forsake me, neither will I forsake Him. Oh, for a restful faith!