I Will Not Forget You
by Pam Smith
You are standing in a meeting. The preacher has spoken words of hope and comfort and is now praying for people. He has a special word for this person and that person. You are expectant, but he passes you by. Others all around seem to be receiving blessings . And you are crying out in your heart, “Lord, don’t pass me by, I really need a touch from you, or a word”. But no one notices you, or so it seems.
Although it may feel that Jesus has passed you by, He certainly hasn’t. He says to you (Isaiah 49:16), “I will not forget you. See I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. Your walls are ever before Me.” And then in the Gospels Jesus says, “ No I will not abandon you, or leave you as orphans in a storm – I will come to you.” John 14.18,LB.
God may use great preachers to minister to his people, but never think that God has passed you by. He is the Shepherd who goes after ‘the ones’. He is far more concerned for you, when you are lonely, left out, or hurting with a special need . He loves the ninety and nine, but you could be that ‘one’ that he rescues. Often, when you think that you have been missed out, you suddenly realize that Jesus is very close to you and whispering to your heart, straight from his heart. Our great high priest, who is touched by our feelings, sees and hears the faintest cry, just like the Shepherd hears the lost lamb. He will come and find you.
‘I have created you and cared for you since you were born. I will be your God through all your lifetime. Yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Saviour.’ (Isaiah 46:3 & 4)
If you ever have a thought about giving someone a word of encouragement, a phone call, a card, some flowers or a gift, never ignore it, because the Lord may want to use you to encourage someone else at a time when they may be feeling in need of God’s comfort.
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have felt ‘passed by’, but thank you for coming with all your compassion and love and rescuing me from that place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and six grandchildren. She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and has been involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus.
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