“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

John 14:18 ESV

Many of us do not fully appreciate the family we have until we are left with none. There are different situations in which a child becomes an orphan—some lose their parents through sickness, accidents, suicide, domestic violence, or the tragedies of war-torn countries. While losing loved ones through life-altering events is deeply painful, there are also cases where children are abandoned by their own families and left uncared for.

In all these circumstances, the Bible gives us a powerful assurance: we will not be left as orphans. Jesus Himself promised that He would come to us.

While growing up, our parents had a habit of taking us to an orphanage every year. It was run by Catholic priests who cared for newborn babies until the age of six, after which the children would move to another home as they grew older. There were different rooms for each stage of their growth, and they were lovingly cared for by compassionate caregivers.

Each year we visited, we could see how the children progressed from one stage to another. One particular year, the fathers and nuns trained the children in such a way that their gifts and talents became evident. We were invited to a performance, and it was fascinating to see how well the children were nurtured and guided. I still remember a six-year-old playing the drums like a professional. It stayed with me—not just the talent, but the care, the intention, and the love poured into those children.

Sometimes I wondered if even their own parents, raising them alone, could have provided such care and opportunity. These children may have been labeled as orphans, but in reality, they were not—because they had someone to care for them, someone who showed up for them every day.

In the same way, when Jesus said He would not leave us as orphans, He was assuring us that in every circumstance, God will not abandon us or leave us without help. He comes to us, He provides for us, and He makes a way for us.

The Bible speaks about Hagar, an Egyptian servant who lived under Abraham and Sarah. When Sarah became jealous of Hagar because of her son Ishmael, Hagar was mistreated and sent away. She and her son wandered in the wilderness, alone and without support. When their water ran out and her son was close to death, Hagar lifted her voice and wept in deep distress.

God heard her cry. He spoke to Hagar, giving her assurance about her son’s future, and opened her eyes to see a well of water that saved his life. What seemed like the end became the place where God revealed His provision. Ishmael grew up in the wilderness and became the father of a great nation.

This is the confidence we carry in Christ Jesus: we will not be left as orphans in any situation. He comes to us in our need, opens our eyes to His provision, and sustains us through every season. We are never alone, because He is always with us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You will never leave me as an orphan. In moments of loneliness, fear, or uncertainty, remind me that You are near. Open my eyes to see Your provision, just as You did for Hagar. Strengthen my heart to trust in You and to rest in Your presence. Help me to walk each day with the confidence that I am never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.