I’ve heard many use the word “never” over the years.
I’ll never leave this church. I’ll never stop loving you. I’ll never do that again.
The word “never” is one that should be reserved for only God to use because only He can truly keep a promise.
Even the apostle had problems with people leaving him.
Paul had a man named Demas with him on his evangelical journeys; but something eventually goes awry with this missionary companion.
I know how Paul must have loved traveling with him, eating with him, and talking countless hours about backgrounds, salvation experiences, and last night’s services. You feel as if you have a brother for life.
Perhaps Demas uttered the words, “Paul, I’m never going to leave. You will always be able to count on me. I’ll be right by your side!”
Then the unexpected happens.

Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica. 2 Tim 4:10

It feels as if someone has died. You no longer have your best bud around to complain to, cry on, laugh with, or pray with.
You feel betrayed because a promise was broken.
For many it goes much deeper when the promise is to love, honor, and cherish ‘til death do us part.
For some it is not knowing why daddy never comes around or why momma left when I was young.
For me, it’s wondering if “never” should be stricken from our language.
After pondering that for a while I conclude that that would be a very bad idea.
Our Lord has given us some wonderful “never” promises.
Never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. Gen 9:11
Cast your burden on the LORD and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Ps 55:22
My people shall never be put to shame. Joel 2:27
He never fails. Zeph 3:5
Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. John 4:14
I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35
Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. John 11:26
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5;Deut 31:6, 8; Josh 1:5
Did you notice He has said that last one three times? God is very serious about never leaving or forsaking us.