When You Feel Abandoned

One of the greatest rescue stories in history occurred in 2010; 33 miners were trapped underground in a copper mine in Chile when suddenly the shaft collapsed and they were buried alive deep in the earth.

They were under 770, 000 pounds of rock. They were frightened, hopeless, and awaited their death. They felt that they were abandoned in the darkness. Ultimately, their potential rescuers were able to breakthrough to them and communicate the words “Hope was on the way.”

Yet, for two months, they sat in the dark, eating and drinking what they hoped with be the rations that kept them alive; instead of a morsel or two to call their last supper.

Finally, on the 69th day, the rescuers broke through the barriers and not one miner was lost.

Transition:

Sometimes we feel like life has caved in on us and we are left wondering; “Will I be abandoned or rescued.”

The original recipients of the Book of Hebrews were in distress. Their world had fallen apart. They were persecuted and as a result; felt very forsaken. They were giving up hope. They felt abandoned.

Emotional abandonment is a powerful feeling. It makes us feel like we are unwanted, forgotten, left out, and ignored. We often feel this way when we feel that we are cut off from God or unnecessary to God.

Paul wrote about feeling of being abandoned by his friends when he was in prison. He wrote in 2 Timothy 4: 16-17: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave be strength...”

His testimony was: God has stood by my side. He will stand by yours too.

He described his feelings as he said: “And I was delivered from the lions mouth.”

The lion mouth is very powerful. It has 30 teeth. He has four front teeth; they are large and sharp for the purpose of tearing flesh. They have 4 teeth in their cheeks each. They again are used for tearing. A lions mouth is found to be able to crush with the pressure of 1000 pounds per square inch. Yet, they are not able to chew; therefore, they literally swallow their prey whole.

I Peter 5:6 likens the devil to a lion as it reads: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Yet, as in the life of Daniel; God is able to close the mouth of lions; likewise, He is able to close in and hem in your enemy; through His mighty acts of deliverance.

In Hebrews 13, before the writer closes this book; He wants to paint another picture of:

a) The person of God- He wants us to know that He will never abandon us.

b) The power of God- He wants us to know that He has the power to deliver us.

Transitional Sentence: Our God is a God of deliverance; not abandonment. But what proof do I have that Jesus will not abandon me? We know He will never leave us when we understand:

I. How Far Jesus Was Willing To Go For You

vs. 10-12: “We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat for the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. (Then we read) Therefore, Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.”

Explanation:

When you love someone, you pursue them. Your pursuit communicates your passion.

Illustration: Greg and Tina

When I was in High School I had a very close friend named Greg. From the moment I met Greg he declared his love and desire for my friend Tina.

Every time he saw her he was completely focused. I truly believe it was love at first sight. Yet, at first, she did not seem too interested. Yet, for many years he did not fail in his pursuit until finally one day she accepted his invitation for a date.

Soon, they became an item and now they have been married for years and have a beautiful family. Yet, often as I think of God’s love for us; their love story comes to mind. Mainly because of how Gregg pursued Tina.

Explanation:

I John 4:19 says: “We love because He first loved us.” In other words, God initiates the relationship with us; through pursuing us first.

Psalm 139 says: “Oh Lord, you have examined my heart and you know everything about me. You know when I sit down and stand up. You know my thoughts from afar off...” Do you know why? He’s up front and personal in your life. He is in consistent pursuit.