Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

~Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Do you ever feel alone despite God’s promise never once to leave us? One particular day, I stepped away from my stay-at-home job and walked around the neighborhood. I listened to music through my earbuds so the aloneness wouldn’t overwhelm me. After about two miles, the song “Never Once” came on. The lyrics say that never once in our lives as followers of Jesus have we ever, nor will we ever, walk alone.

As I walked, I wondered why I felt so alone at that moment. I wanted to see evidence of God in my writing, teaching, and everyday life. But instead, I’d been met with a wall of silence. 

Where is the proof that You are walking with me? I asked.

As the song continued, I sensed movement on my left. When I looked, a turkey ran beside me. It trotted over aggregate driveways, on perfectly manicured lawns, and across streets for several minutes, keeping up with me.

That’s it, Lord. A turkey? You sent me a turkey?

Then I couldn’t stop laughing. Does God not have a sense of humor? The laughter chased away the dark, lying spirit. When I looked again, the turkey was gone. Just as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished.

God constantly tells His people, “I am with you.” His name Emmanuel means “God with us,” and we carry the presence of Jesus in us. So why this emptiness? Why this aloneness? Maybe it’s because we aren’t looking. Maybe it’s because we’re too busy to notice. Or maybe it’s because we have preconceived ideas about what His presence looks and sounds like. I sure didn’t expect a turkey.

But if God can use a donkey to talk, a big fish to catch and spit out a rebellious prophet, and a virgin teenager to birth our Savior, who am I to question God using a turkey to show me that He never once has left us alone?

God’s Word says He will never leave or forsake us. When He says never, He means never.  Not sometimes. Not occasionally. And not when I don’t feel His presence.

God will never once leave you. He’s always present. Believe that promise.

Father, I thank You that You never leave me to walk alone on earth. When I feel stranded, show me Your presence. Remind me that Your presence dwells in me—always.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Never Once: Sally Cressman: All Rights Reserved.