You have not deserted your brothers even once this whole time but have carried out the requirement of the command of the Lord your God. Now that He has given your brothers rest, just as He promised them, return to your homes in your own land that Moses the Lord's servant gave you across the Jordan. Joshua 22:3-4 HCSB
Twice in my 40 plus years of ministry I have become so discouraged that I have seriously considered getting out of ministry. Both times I felt as though people had taken advantage of me, misjudged me, and even mistreated me. I even had thoughts like, “Where is God in all of this?” or “Why is God allowing this to happen to me?” We all have times of discouragement and even depression. We may think that God has forgotten us, but the reality is that God never deserts us. He is always available to us. He is faithful and can be trusted.
These Scriptures describe the faithfulness of the men of Israel fighting for their brothers and helping them to secure their homelands. God is always faithful to do what He says. We can count on His promises. God's timing is not always our timing and we may feel that God has abandoned us, but He remains with us through the ups and downs of life. He cares about what is happening in our lives. God has a plan for each of our lives and is working all things together for His good (see Romans 8:28).
Challenge: If you are going through a difficult time, know that God loves you and cares about what you are going through. He will never desert you or abandon you. God wants only the best for you. His only desire is for you to walk in His ways and trust Him to take care of your needs. He has not promised an easy life, but He has promised never to leave you through the end of time. Thank God for never deserting you and always being available to you.