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Always

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, 

lo, I am with you alwayeven unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20, KJV, emphasis mine).

Such an amazing promise that all of the power of heaven is on our side no matter what we face in life, no matter where we are and no matter what those "things" are that beset us.  It is this assurance that enables us to observe "all" that Jesus has asked of us.  And such an assurance in essence is a promise of empowerment for Jesus would never command us to do something that He would not enable us to do.  

The disciples of Jesus all experienced the promise of Jesus.  They went through various trials, tests and situations - yet they had the joy of Jesus' presence through it all!  Some have noted that all of them (except Judas and John) experienced a martyrs death after Jesus ascended to heaven (see various sources including this one). Yet, to each of them the promise of Jesus echoed: I will be with you always.

The Greek word here for the word "always" is of the same root as the other "all" statements in this passage and literally means "each, every, all."  This means that Jesus will be with us in each, every and all of the circumstances we face if we are His disciples.

Each trying situation when it seems like you can't handle anything more - Jesus whispers "I am with you always. . . always".  

Every time loneliness looms, or it seems prayers go unanswered.  Every time situations seem unresolved or hopelessness permeates our very being and attempts to overwhelm our hearts.  It is during these times Jesus whispers "I am with you always. . . always".  

When it seems like no one understands, notices or cares Jesus speaks, "I am with you always. . . always".

Until when?  The word "end" gives us the answer: "to the finish".  Even when we feel finished, even when the world seems it cannot get any darker or the prospects bleaker Jesus says "always, its not over, you are NOT finished!  I will be with you to THE end - to the finish!"  And the end is a glorious one: He is coming back to literally fulfill His promise!  Until then, may we hear His whisper, "Always" in each, every and all situations we face in life.  Jesus is with is always: whether it be during the good, the bad and the in-between times of life!

*For those who want an encouraging parable on this topic please click on this link or the picture below.