JESUS NEVER FAILS

          I imagine each of us have experienced the disappointment of being left down by friends.  We have three different friends who were going to help us with different projects at our house.  All three showed up and started the work, promised to return to finish the jobs, but never did.  Because of our heart problems we could not remove snow this winter.  A friend promised to do it for us, but he never showed up to do so.  Friends usually mean well, but they often forget. I guess disappointments are to be expected at times when we depend on the word of humans.  And this week's choice begins with that reminder, "earthly friends may prove untrue".  But fortunately there is "One still loves and cares for you, one who will not fail."  Yes, Jesus never fails.  The author, A. A. Luther, as a child had a burning desire to be a foreign missionary, but that never happened.  Instead the Lord used him to write this simple song which has encouraged millions around the world.  The song was written at Somerset, Kentucky, while he was there with an evangelistic team.  Luther  received a telegram telling him of his son's illness and being rushed to a hospital. There was nothing he could do, no way possible to even get to his son who was 600 miles away.   Worried and homesick, he sat down at a piano and as his "fingers wandered idly", a simple melody developed and the words and the music of the chorus were born.  Afterwards, according to Luther  "When I finished, a peace had settled over my anxious heart. I knew the God who never fails would find the answer and He did, for just then there was a knock at the door and someone came with the news. Word had just been received over the telegraph wire that my son had passed the crisis and all was well."  While Luther thought his simple song was just for him, others heard it and soon it was being used all over the world.  People needed the simple message that Jesus never fails.  "Heaven and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails!"   And today we need the same reminder that He is with His children, no matter how "fierce and strong the gale".  He loves us.  He has promised to never leave us - "He is near".  And he has never failed us, and never will.  Be encouraged by this reminder this week.

1. Earthly friends may prove untrue, 

doubts and fears assail;

One still loves and cares for you, 

one who will not fail.

Jesus never fails, 

Jesus never fails; 

Heav'n and earth may pass away, 

but Jesus never fails.

2. Tho' the sky be dark and drear, 

fierce and strong the gale,

Just remember He is near, 

and He will not fail.

Jesus never fails, 

Jesus never fails; 

Heav'n and earth may pass away, 

but Jesus never fails.

3. In life's dark and bitter hour 

love will still prevail,

Trust His everlasting pow'r

Jesus never fails.

Jesus never fails, 

Heav'n and earth may pass away, 

but Jesus never fails.

I have had difficulty finding a video of this song because there is a newer one with the same title that contemporary groups are singing today.  So the choice I give you is not a great one, but it is the best that I could find.   LISTEN