Always There

Always There

Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

DAVID LIVINGSTONE HAD HIS FLAWS, but he also had his faith. He was thoroughly convinced of his calling to go to regions where no missionary had ever been. He endured a mauling by a lion, the deaths of his wife and two of his children, the wrath of his mother-in-law, and resistance from other missionaries who did not get along with him. He vehemently opposed slavery and opened the eyes of many Europeans to Africa’s needs. The reporter-explorer who found him in the depths of Africa—and who is said to have greeted him with the famous words “Dr. Livingstone, I presume”—described his faith as constant, earnest, sincere, quiet, and practical. It was also brash and stubborn at times, but it was never in question. Livingstone had staked his life on the promise that Jesus would always go with those who carried out his mission.^a

Of all God’s promises, this one is perhaps the most comprehensive and encouraging. Moses refused to continue on his mission unless God committed to go with him (Exodus 33:12-17). God promised Joshua on numerous occasions that he would be with him in his battles (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5, 9). The writer of Hebrews reminded his readers that God had promised never to leave, fail, or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5). And Jesus famously told his followers that he would be with them even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). As much as we look to God’s promises, it’s even better to know that the Promiser is with us. Faith fills our hearts and minds when we remember and rest in God’s presence.

Wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, remember this. Refuse to see faith as a commodity or a tool rather than as a product of God’s presence in your life. Make every effort to align your prayers with the mission of Jesus and the nature of his Kingdom, knowing that you are speaking to someone in the room who has very definite plans for them. Rest in the confidence that you cannot stray beyond his reach or pray effectively beyond his love. He is both our safety and our strength, and he is with us to the end of the age—and beyond.

On these words I staked everything, and they never failed.