Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Have you ever been headed to an event where a friend arrived before you? One of the first things we often say is, “Save me a seat.” That little request brings a sense of comfort because you know when you walk in, there’s already a place prepared just for you.
As I was reading this scripture today, it dawned on me—this is exactly what God does for us every single day. For most of my life, I’ve focused on the part that says, “He will never leave you and He will never forsake you.” That alone has carried me through many storms. But today, a different part stood out: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you.”
Think about that. Before you step into a situation, God has already stepped in. Before you face that challenge, He has already seen it. Before you carry that weight, He has already measured it and knows exactly how much you can bear. And if He allows it to touch your life, it’s because He has a greater purpose for it. Nothing you go through is ever wasted when you place it in His hands.
I’ll be honest—there have been many seasons when I felt abandoned by God. The trials were so heavy that I questioned where He was. Friends walked away. Relationships ended. Even my own body failed me at times. Yet through it all, God remained the only constant. He never lied, never misled, never turned His back. He was steady, but the truth is—I wasn’t. Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeking Him. I stopped expecting Him to show up. I let discouragement cloud the promises of His Word.
Maybe you’ve felt the same way. Maybe you’ve wondered where God is in the middle of your pain. But here’s the truth I’ve learned: if you keep pressing through, if you keep seeking Him, He will always reveal Himself. He will give you beauty for your ashes.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God never turns His back on us. The real transformation begins when we stop turning our backs on Him.
So today, let this promise settle in your heart: the Lord Himself has gone before you. He’s already prepared the way. He’s already saved you a seat.