Part One
WHEN GOD LEAVES YOU
(2 Chronicles 32:31)
Have you ever had a time in your walk with Christ that you didn't "feel" saved? Has there ever been a time when you've said (in your heart), "It seems like God isn't around"? Has it ever seemed like a particular day or turn of events in your life was void of the presence, power, majesty and influence (grace) of God? Have you ever wondered why it seems like the enemy is having his way in our lives? It seemed like that because GOD LEFT. Yes, I said it -- GOD LEFT.
I know. I know. Someone is already thinking, "God will never leave us or forsake us." I held back on printing the verse of scrïpture listed above to allow you the chance to let this "soak in". Yes, my brothers and sisters, there comes a time when God leaves us . . . but not as we might suppose. You can breathe a sigh of relief now. Giving an account of the life of King Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 32:31 states:
"But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart."
Bear with me as I discuss a little vocabulary. The word "left" in this passage, according to the Strong's, means to loosen, relinquish or permit. This gives the impression that God is stepping back and giving the individual free course to do . . . whatever. The term "leave" in Hebrews 13:5, carries the connotation of desertion. Without knowledge of the vocabulary, this would almost appear to be a contradiction. Why does God leave us? The answer lies within the following clause – to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. God "steps back" in our lives from time to time for the purpose of trying us – for proving and preparing us for His coming, that we might be accepted of Him.
It is extremely important for us to know and remember that we are frequently tried (proven, tested) in our walk with the Lord. Why is it important to know and remember that you and I will be tried? Because knowledge of this helps us to endure when in the midst of adversity so that patience can have its perfect work (James 1:2-5). God tries us as gold is tried -- He "leaves us" in the fire of adversity with our purity level as His focus. He's working out all the "kinks" in our hearts. He doesn't leave us to forsake us or subjecting us to failure, but to perfect us. He also leaves us so that we can see ourselves (our hearts) and respond accordingly to his majesty.  
We must keep this in mind, because He will give to every man according to his ways. If we endure our trials, the end result will be perfection (maturity and blessedness). If we lust exceedingly in the wilderness (as the children of Israel did) we will fall short of His glory (Psalm 106:11-15; Hebrews 3:7-11). Those who do not handle "the wilderness" properly, run the risk of the following testimony -- (1 Corinthians 10:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. If your ways please the Lord, you'll be an overcomer in the wilderness.
When it seems like God isn't there -- when you don't see His power on "extreme" display -- when you feel like you're under insurmountable pressure -- when it seems like there is no hope . . . we are the believing kind, we never give up (Hebrews 10:37-39). Don't draw back unto perdition. God hasn't left, He's just sitting idly by and giving us an opportunity to see where we need to grow in Him so that we won't resist His instruction, reproof and exhortations when they come.
In closing, remember the story of Hezekiah. His test followed a season of great victory. Victory can intoxicate us, just as adversity can discourage us when we do not walk in the Spirit. Let us be sober and remain faithful, regardless of the circumstances. Let us look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith in times of what appear to be weakness. It is in this time that His strength is made perfect in us. Remember, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. As He did in the life of Hezekiah, God DOES leave us. Make sure you remember why. Make sure you endure. In the end, you can expect nothing but the best of His blessings.

In your Spiritual Journal:
-- It is essential that all Christians be subjected to trials through
their walk with Christ. They are unavoidable, but also very beneficial to growing in Him. Read and consider the following verses. Briefly summarize each one in your own words.
Deuteronomy 8:2-3
Psalms 11:5
Psalms 26:2
Psalms 139:23-24
Jeremiah 17:10
Zechariah 13:9
1 Corinthians 3:13
1 Peter 4:12-13
-- Are you going through a time in your life now that causes you to think God has left you? How does today's lesson help you think through this area of your life a little differently?

I know this is pretty long, but just whenever you get time- make sure to read it! This is something, I'm sure, we all can relate with. There are many time I've personally felt God wasn't there, but reading this helped me to understand.

This is great! Did you come up with this yourself or find it somewhere? This is wonderful advice and help for those of us struggling with these thoughts and feelings. I know I've been there.