There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor forsake you.
Read Chapter 1
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
Pay attention to what comes next: “Without love, a measure of money is sufficient for present needs,” because he himself said, “ ‘I will not forsake you, I will not desert you.’ You were afraid of I don’t know what evils, for that reason you were saving up money; count me as your guarantor.” That’s what God says to you. It isn’t a man, not your equal or you yourself, but God who says to you, “I will not forsake you, I will not desert you.” If a man made such a promise, you would trust him; God makes it, and you hesitate? He made the promise, put it in writing, made out the bond; you needn’t worry at all. Read what you’ve got in your hand, you’re holding God’s bond; as your debtor you hold the one whom you have asked to cancel your debts. - "Sermon 177.11"
The fifth kindness follows, which is bestowed with true certainty on every really staunch Catholic. He means: “Even if I were to walk among heretics and schismatics” (they are rightly called the shadow of death since they have the form of death as they lead us to hell) “I will not fear their foul enticements, for you defend me with the protection of your presence.” In the prophet’s words: I will not leave you or forsake you; for in this world the church walks among the wicked, until he who separates the good from the evil shall come on judgment day. - "Exposition of the Psalms 22.4"
We must join in disciplining ourselves to beware of all that is subject to the passions. We must, like true philosophers, escape from any foods that arouse sexual desire, from a dissolute relaxation in bed, from luxury and all the passions that make for luxury. We realize that others find this a grievous struggle. It is no longer so for us, since self-discipline is God’s greatest gift. “He has said, ‘I will never forsake you or abandon you,’ ” who has judged you worthy by a decision that is wholly genuine. In this way, as we carefully strive to go to him, the Lord’s “easy yoke” will receive us. - "Stromateis 2.20.126"
Nevertheless, I say, fear not. Paul comforts you saying, “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able, but will with the temptation also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” He indeed himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” For had he resolved to punish us in deed and in actual endurance, he would not have given us over to terror during so many days. For when he would not punish, he frightens; since if he were intending to punish, fear would be superfluous, and threatening superfluous. But now, we have sustained a life more grievous than countless deaths; fearing and trembling during so many days, and being suspicious of our very shadows; and paying the punishment of Cain; and in the midst of our sleep, starting up, through constant agony of mind. So that if we have kindled God’s wrath, we have appeased him in the endurance of such a punishment. For if we have not paid the satisfaction due to our sins, ...
