He Will Never Leave You

On August 4, 1991, the MTS Oceanos cruise ship ran into a storm off the coast of South Africa. When the ship began to sink, the captain decided to abandon ship and left with his officers failing to notify those on board of any problems.

Passenger Moss Hills a British musician, noticed that something was wrong and sent out a Mayday signal to the South African coast guard. Then, taking matters into their own hands, Moss, his wife Tracy, and other entertainers on board helped organize the evacuation of all passengers by assisting them as they were lifted into helicopters.

Sometimes those we look to for leadership can and will let us down. Sometimes those we “except” to lead will also let us down.

When King Saul and his officers faced the belligerent insults of the Philistine giant Goliath, they responded with fear and timidity (timidity-to fear-fear of the unknown).

I Samuel 17:11
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

But a young musician and shepherd boy name David had faith in God that transformed his perspective on this threat. David had faith in God, just as you and I should have.

Mark 11:22
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

David said to Goliath:

I Samuel 17:45
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

David defeated the enemy and turned the tide of the battle

I Samuel 17:50
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Friends, David did not look to earthly leaders for his strength but to the living God.

Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

I Samuel 17:47
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.

When others let us down, God may be calling us to provide leadership in His strength and for His honor.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.