Matt 28:20 – “…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” NASB

I am extracting a small portion of a verse here.  I want to use, for emphasis, some of the last words that Jesus said to the disciples after His resurrection and before His final ascension.  Last words, when known to be last words, are always important because they usually convey the speaker’s desire. 

Jesus’ words here are essential because He was commissioning the disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations, teaching them His commandments.  He knew, as He had already told them, “In the world, you will have trouble.”  Therefore, it was essential to convey that He would always be with them to the end.  That is also important to us because we are partakers of the same commission and grace that brought them Salvation.

We have experienced times when we felt like giving up or at least giving up the particular struggle we were engaged in.  There may have been times when we did.  Yet, if we keep this promise in the forefront of our minds, we will find the words Paul in Galatians 6 germane. 

In verse nine, he told the Galatians, “…we shall reap if we faint not.”  If we do not give up or give in, there will be a “harvest.”  If we press on just a little further, there will be the rainbow, the light at the end of the tunnel, and the sound of jubilation that comes with victory.  Now is not the time to give up or give in.  Now is the time to press on because “Jesus is with us.”

He assured us that if He went away, He would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to walk alongside us and be our “helper.”  We need to learn the ministry of the Holy Spirit and draw from His strength, allowing Him to operate freely in our lives and guide us through the corridors of time to the ultimate victory.  We need to allow Him to pray through us so that we can pray the mind of God.  We need Him to infuse His strength into our lives so that we, having done all, can stand no matter the opposition or obstacle.

If you receive comfort from anything I say, take comfort in this; “Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother and will NEVER EVER leave us or forsake us.”  You can take that to the bank and cash the check.  He has never made an idle promise, nor has He ever failed to keep a Covenant.  We may fail, but He will not.  We may give up, but He will not.  We may falter and grow weary, but He will not.  Therefore, take heart, lift up your eyes, and look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith.

As you enter this day, enter it with confidence!  Enter it knowing that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  I pray that the Lord of Hosts will make His divine presence known to you on this day and guide each step you take, guarding your hearts and minds in His perfect Peace and Power! 

Blessings upon you abundantly!