Never is a word that expresses a strong position about something implying a discontinuity. It is a word that a believer in Christ Jesus must be careful to use when when making certain decisions that are permissible in the scheme of God’s plan and agenda.
When you recognise that God is the owner of your life and you are willing to allow Him to have the lead role, then NEVER is a word you use cautiously. There are some obvious decisions you should grow into as a maturing believer. With such growth comes an enriched understanding and a realization of responsibility in Christ. For example, you shouldn’t make a decision like “I can NEVER forgive that person”. This is clearly an anti-Christian position, though many Christians are caught in that web. As you mature in Christ, you realise the severity of such a statement.
A higher level of decision not to be made may be in statements like “I can NEVER marry someone like that” or “I can NEVER leave that job” or “I can NEVER have a child anymore”.
While these examples are. relatable in our contemporary life, they were also case points that people in bible times might have found themselves in.
Joseph would have been close to never wanting to forgive His brothers; Prophet Hosea would have likely said he can never marry a harlot; Joseph the earthly father of Jesus would have told Mary to forget the wedding because He can NEVER get married to a woman who is pregnant. Elizabeth was societally and medically confirmed and agreed that she could NEVER have a child. The list could go on of people whose life portray the reality of how the word NEVER should not be expressed outside of God’s consultation either beginning from His word or unto receiving direction from Him in your daily walk with Him.
Science may have said you can Never be healed, but the God of all creation can heal you. You may have sternly decided never to go with the plans, but God can reroute your path to arrive at the same decision as the only option.
Be careful to take the NEVER position as a believer without consulting the owner of your life.
I’ve learnt and could say I’m still learning not to use it affirmatively. This is because I know the one who owns me can call with an assignment that will overrule any decisions I have made irrespective of whether it is major or minor. Many things I’ve said I will never to, I have seen the Lord lead me to do them while He stood by me and used me through the decision.
We must recognise that He is sovereign over all things and can alter any decision, situation, report, agenda, appointment, etc, to establish His rule.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.(James 4:10)
God be praised forever more!