Fall For Jesus; He Never Leaves

I live in Northern California, where the autumn colors are richest during the beautiful month of November. The vibrant reds, burnt oranges, mustard yellows and chestnut browns are seen scattered throughout the ever-changing landscape of my little town. 

Everywhere I turn, whether it’s just outside my front door, around the corner to the park or driving down the main streets, these astonishing hues of color are on full display this time of year. 

It’s breathtaking! 

During this short stretch of time, I like to remember to glance out the window as often as possible. I try to catch a glimpse of the autumn breeze gusting through the trees, bringing the crispy leaves floating down to the ground below. 

As each leaf releases from its branch, it is a vivid reminder that everything changes. 

Change comes into all our lives. No matter who we are, where we live or what our life currently looks like, change happens. It can be painful but it can also give us so much joy. Change brings losses and gains, new obstacles to overcome and fresh perspectives to adjust to. Change might come when we are prepared or when we least expect it. 

Just like the changing leaves falling to the ground, we do not always get to control the changes that happen in our lives. We do, however, have a constant anchor that will never, ever change. Jesus! 

Jesus was the same yesterday as He is today. He will still be the same tomorrow, the next day and the next. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We know that no matter what change comes in and out of our lives, His love remains steady, strong and unwavering. 

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

I wait all year for the autumn season to come. Then, it’s here! The leaves change their miraculous colors, fall to the ground, eventually get raked up into piles and discarded in the waste bin. As quickly as it started, it is over…and I find myself wishing autumn would never leave. 

Jesus has promised to be with us always. He never leaves! 

It brings great comfort to my soul to know that, although there is change happening all around me, Jesus is unchanging. He goes before me, walks beside me and hems me in. 

“For He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you. – Hebrews 13:5

Jesus assures us through His word that He goes before us into the place that is unknown. He encourages us to trust Him during each change that comes our way. He asks us to surrender to His will and trust His timing of change. Just like the leaves falling from the tree – which are surrendered to their maker and follow His direction to let go and trust Him – we can do the same. And it is truly beautiful! 

“The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”- Deuteronomy 31:8

When change is difficult and we are not sure how we will make it through, we can rely on God. We can fall for Jesus.  

In Isaiah 43:2 God promises:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

This Autumn season, as the change comes and goes, remember we serve a Father in Heaven who is never-changing. He is dependable, loving, nurturing, involved, attentive and protective of each and every one of His beloved children. He knows the outcome of all of our days and we can trust-fall into His arms, knowing we are safe when we surrender. We can trust that a we are never alone.

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Let’s fall for Jesus: He never leaves. For that I am truly thankful!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, friends! 

~ Stephanie