The Great Betrayal

PresbyCan Daily Devotional

Hebrews 13:5b – He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)
A while back, I went out to get something not too far from home. At the supermarket, I suddenly felt weak. Now, I must have you understand that I am a fully healthy young man. I got my groceries, and walking back home, I felt my strength suddenly desert me. My legs went weak, my stomach felt like it suddenly deflated, and I felt dizzy, like I were going to faint.
I had to find somewhere at the side of the road to just rest. On my head, I poured a sachet (a plastic bag) of cold water — which was a part of what I went to buy — and I rested till I got back a semblance of my strength. That experience has become a startling realization of our body's ability to betray us when we least expect. This is what I call, "The Great Betrayal".
Ezekiel 7:17 – All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. (KJV)
Looking at this experience and confirming it with Scripture, I have realized that this reality is inescapable. Old age would take away strength and agility, and sometimes, even coherence, and our most cherished memories may fade. This is a sad reality.
But — of course, there is a "but" — in all this seemingly sad reality, I have discovered that though our strength may suddenly fail us and our bodies may betray us, Jesus will never fail or betray us. Are you incapacitated? Do you feel betrayed, thinking that God has taken all good things from you? Maybe you feel frustrated at your own incapability. Do you feel angry that people around you are freely enjoying what God seems to have denied you? Or are you angry with God, asking Him, "Why did You give me this, only to snatch it from me?"
I can ask a thousand more questions, but most of all, do you feel deserted and betrayed by God? He has said in today's Scripture verse that He would never leave you or forsake you. Never!
So, as your strength deserts you and memories fade, as your heart is gripped with some griefs, I want you to declare boldly, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear [what might happen to me]." (Hebrews 13:6b KJV)
Please continue to trust and believe God. He loves you and cares about you.
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to trust in You, even when all else seems to fail. Amen.