“….for he (Jesus) has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’
So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear; what can man do to me.’” – Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)

To those who follow college football, Coach Tom Osborne is a legend. He coached the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1973 to 1997, compiling a record of 255-49-3. That means his teams won more than 83% of their games! When coaches have that kind of success over that length of time, I give them credit for knowing what they are doing. Coach Osborne had a sign in the Nebraska locker room that read as follows: “Even though we have been good in other years, this year holds no guarantee of success. Success doesn’t come automatically. Fans are fans. Some will stick with you, some won’t. The only people who really understand, the ones you can count on beyond a doubt, who will be with you whether you are 8-and-3 or 3-and-8, are the people in THIS room.”

Coach Osborne wanted his players to know that their success would not be determined by the accomplishments of previous Nebraska teams. He wanted them to understand the fickle loyalty of fans, yet remember the importance of staying united as teammates. In sports and in life, we are often confronted with the question, “Who can you depend on?” Hebrews 13:5-6 gives us an answer we can rely on regardless of the circumstances we might find ourselves. Jesus promises that He will never abandon us nor will He give up on us. Never means at no time and under no circumstance. Has anyone ever made that kind of commitment to you? This promise is one of the greatest riches we can possess. The fact is that in Christ we have perfect security, perfect protection, and perfect peace. Fear not.

Most gracious Heavenly Father, You have made me in Your image. You love me more than I can comprehend. Your Word promises me that You will keep me secure, You will protect me and that only in You, can I find peace. Thank You for this blessed assurance. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.