BUT GOD…

By Anita Mondragon
 
I heard a statement the other day that totally changed my mind about myself….It was this:
 
“Don’t allow yourself to be defined by those who leave.”
 
I’ve had a lot of people leave in my life.  Left in a burning house when I was four years old, because a box of books seemed more important than me.  Left on an empty apartment floor after being raped.  Left alone for nine months while carrying a child-the result of that rape.  Left twice due to divorce.  All of their departures made me feel worthless, unloved, unwanted, unappreciated, alone.  I could use more words, but you get the picture.
 
I gave my all to these people, and they abandoned me in return for my loyalty to them.  Has that ever happened to you?  I’m pretty sure if we’re honest, it’s happened to all of us.  But God…

 
I see that phrase in scripture a lot.  But God…  God is the only one who NEVER leaves us!  He is ALWAYS by our side, even when we can’t see Him or feel His presence!  His everlasting mercy and grace has been since the beginning. 
 
In Genesis, when God was going to send the flood, He remembered Noah- Genesis 8:1 (NIV) 
But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.  
 
When King Saul was searching for David to kill him, it says in 1 Samuel 23:14 (NIV) David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him,  but God did not give David into his hands.
 
David said numerous times in the Psalms these words, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.  
 
 And my favorite: Romans 5:8 (ESV) But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
 
We’ve all experienced disappointments in our life, felt alone and abandoned,  but God never left us.  He was always right there with us.  
 
“DONT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DEFINED BY WHOSE WHO LEAVE…”  Instead, DEFINE YOURSELF BY THE ONE WHO STAYED…GOD!  HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU!