I like watching short videos about abandoned houses. I find it interesting to see that many are abandoned while the furniture is still inside. It gives you a glimpse into the lives of the occupants. I like to guess why they have left so many things behind.

As I watched one such video, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper that I am not abandoned. That no matter what happened in the past, I am not alone. That even though I have some healing to go through, He will not leave me.

It is written in Hebrews 13:5 that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.

When a storm comes, the captain of a ship must decide whether to keep facing the storm or abandon the ship. The decision can be the difference between life and death; between facing defeat or conquering the storm. Jesus chose to conquer the storm when He came to earth. He laid down his life for us so we can live in victory and not be defeated by our everyday storms.

When we decide to follow Jesus, we must turn away from our old ways and choose to be transformed. We are to be new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-7). Are we to abandon our old lives like an abandoned house and just leave all the hurts behind like old furniture? Or are we to face them, receive healing, give and receive forgiveness, and then move forward?

Healing from past hurts, giving and receiving forgiveness and laying down any worldly habits are fundamental in pursuing a life for Christ. These things can place us in bondage and keep us from having the abundant, spirit-filled lives God wants for us. We cannot just abandon it. We have to sort through the rubble, get rid off unnecessary items and let God do His good work within us. As your soul is cleansed, ask that you be filled with the Holy Spirit, so your “home” is not abandoned, but completely filled.

While you are still on your journey, you are never abandoned. Just as Jesus didn’t abandon the ship when the storm came and instead ordered it to be still, He also wants to give us peace. Cling to Jesus in your storm, hold on to him in times of trouble, reach out and build a lasting relationship with The One who will never abandon you.

May you be blessed!

Catherina