Aug. 5, 2025

Is Jesus Still Here When Everything Falls Apart?

Is Jesus Still Here When Everything Falls Apart?
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When life falls apart, you may wonder if Jesus is still near. Today’s story will remind you that even in the ashes, He hasn’t left you.

What do you hold on to when life goes up in flames—literally or figuratively?

After a devastating wildfire, one man searched the rubble of his home for a single fragile item—a tiny baby Jesus figurine. What he found became a powerful reminder that even when life is shaken, Jesus is still present.

In this episode, Pastor Bart Leger explores the deep comfort of Jesus’ promise to be with us always, even in the middle of loss and disappointment. Whether you’re walking through grief, confusion, or an unexpected setback, this devotional will remind you that you’re not alone.

Scripture of the Day:

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

—Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

You’ll Learn:

  • Why disappointment can make us feel abandoned
  • What God promises when we feel brokenhearted
  • How small reminders of Jesus’ presence can anchor our hope

Takeaway Challenge:

If you’re walking through disappointment today, take a few minutes to name what you’ve lost—and ask God to show you one small way He’s still with you.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend. You never know who might need to hear that Jesus hasn’t left them. dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/36

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Connect with Bart

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives

Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

WEBVTT

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Back in June of 2013, the devastating Black Forest fire swept through Colorado, reducing more than 500 homes to ash. One of those homes belonged to KRDO host Ted Robertson. When residents were finally allowed back, Ted stepped onto the charred slab that had been his garage. He had one mission, recover a family heirloom. And he wasn't sure he'd be able to find it. His brick fireplace was the only part of his home that survived the flames. What was so precious to Ted? It was a tiny ceramic figurine of baby Jesus about the size of a postage stamp. It was part of a nativity scene his wife made years ago.

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Every year, she would hide the small statue, and they couldn't start the Christmas festivities until it was found. He made his way to the corner where the Christmas decorations once sat and sifted through the charred remains of their home. What kept going through his mind was, Is the baby Jesus still here?

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Hi, friends. Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I'm Bart Leger, a pastor for over 40 years, and I'm so glad you're here. If your heart feels weighed down or your hope feels dim, I want to remind you today that Jesus is still present, even in the middle of your pain.

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When we walk through disappointment, when a dream dies, a relationship breaks, or life simply doesn't turn out the way we expected, it can feel like God's gone quiet. We may start asking, Jesus, are you still here? And do you even still care? If that's where you are today, listen to this promise from Jesus in Matthew 28, 20. Be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the age. I realize the context is Jesus encouraging his disciples to carry out the Great Commission by sharing the gospel.

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But allow me a little latitude here. I believe the promise of Jesus' presence goes beyond just sharing the gospel. Those were Jesus' final words before he returned to heaven. Not just for the good days. Not just when things feel calm or clear.

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Always. That includes when you're standing in the rubble of something you never expected to lose. A disappointment often makes us feel abandoned. But God's word tells us something different. Psalm 34, 18 says, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. You may not feel him. You may not be near him. But he hasn't left you.

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And sometimes, in the quiet, God gives us small reminders that he's still with us. Let me take you back to Ted Robertson.

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Minutes later, Ted uncovered the scorched remains of the manger scene. Nestled among the broken pieces lay the tiny baby Jesus figurine, miraculously untouched by the flames. In that moment, Brad gave way to hope. Speaking to KRDO, he said, We've gone from apprehension to hope that we're going to recover some parts of our lives we thought were lost. Standing in the rubble, Ted held a tangible reminder that even in the fiercest fire, Jesus was still there. That little statue wasn't magical, but it was meaningful.

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It reminded Ted that not everything was lost, that hope was still possible, that Jesus was still with him. And he's still with you, too. Jesus, thank you that you never leave us, not even in the middle of my darkest days. Help us believe that you are still near, even when we don't feel it. Give us eyes to see you and a heart to trust you. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Do you know someone who's hurting today? How about lifting them up by sharing this episode with them? It would mean the world to me, and my prayer is that it will help someone else.

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And here's the link, dailydevotionsforbusylives.com forward slash 36. I'll leave the link in the show notes. You can copy it and text it or email it to them. Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. Remember, Jesus is still with you, even in the middle of the ashes. Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God's truth. Until then, God bless and have a great day.