SERMON : WHEN FRIENDS TURN AWAY AND PEOPLE WALK AWAY By Joseph Ondu

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SERMON : WHEN FRIENDS TURN AWAY AND PEOPLE WALK AWAY


  • 2 Timothy 4:16–17 (NIV)

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength...”

  • Psalm 27:10 (NKJV)

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.”

  • John 6:66–68 (NIV)

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.”

 

INTRODUCTION


We live in a world where relationships are fragile. One day people are with you, and the next, they are gone. The pain of abandonment, betrayal, or silent withdrawal can cut deeper than a knife. It can leave you questioning your worth, your calling, and even your faith.

But what does God teach us when friends turn away? What does the Word say when people walk out of your life without notice, explanation, or apology?

Today, let us draw strength from Paul, David, and Jesus, who all faced seasons when people walked away yet discovered God’s faithfulness in their loneliness.

 

POINT 1: PEOPLE LEAVING IS PART OF YOUR JOURNEY

In John 6, Jesus had just taught hard truths, and many who once followed Him turned back and left. If Jesus, the Son of God, faced people walking away, who are we to think we will not face the same?

Sometimes:

  • People leave because your journey no longer aligns with theirs.
  • People walk away because they cannot handle your growth.
  • Some friendships were only for a season, not a lifetime.

Quote: “Sometimes, rejection is God’s direction.”

If people are leaving you, it may not be a demotion; it may be divine protection.

 

POINT 2: WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE, GOD STAYS

 

David declared:

“When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (Psalm 27:10)

Paul said:

“Everyone deserted me...but the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” (2 Timothy 4:16–17)

People’s absence can teach you God’s presence.
When friends leave:

  • God remains your ever-present help.
  • God draws closer to the brokenhearted.
  • God becomes your source of validation.

Wise Saying: “When people leave you, don’t run after them; run to God.”

 

POINT 3: LONELINESS CAN LEAD TO PURPOSE

 

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, but their betrayal positioned him for his destiny in Egypt.

When people walk away:

  • It may create space for God to bring the right people into your life.
  • It teaches you self-reliance in God and maturity.
  • It can reveal your real identity and calling.

Illustration:
A potter shapes the clay alone. God often shapes your destiny in seasons of isolation.

 

POINT 4: GUARD YOUR HEART AGAINST BITTERNESS

 

Paul said:

“May it not be held against them.” (2 Timothy 4:16)

When people leave:

  • Don’t let bitterness take root.
  • Don’t let their absence define your worth.
  • Don’t seek revenge or validation from those who left.

Forgive them, release them, and bless them so that you remain free for what God has ahead of you.

 

POINT 5: STAY FAITHFUL DESPITE ABANDONMENT

 

When Jesus was abandoned by many, He turned to the twelve and asked:

“Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67)

Peter replied:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

Even when people walk away:

  • Keep your commitment to God.
  • Don’t stop serving because of who left.
  • Don’t lower your standards to keep people.

Your faithfulness in loneliness qualifies you for promotion in God’s kingdom.

 

POINT 6: LET GOD FILL THE EMPTY SPACES

When people leave:

  • Take your loneliness to God in prayer and worship.
  • Let Him heal your heart and redefine your worth.
  • Let Him guide you to new alignments and divine connections.

Quote: “When people leave you, it’s not the end of your story. It’s the beginning of God’s story with you.”

 

POINT 7: SHARE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

 

Even in seasons when people leave, do not withhold your gifts, love, and service.

Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you…”

Giving what God has entrusted to you despite people leaving is a condition for continuous blessing. Don’t stop sharing your encouragement, prayers, resources, and love.

 

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR WHEN FRIENDS WALK AWAY

 

  1. Acknowledge the Pain: Don’t deny your hurt; bring it to God in prayer.
  2. Forgive Quickly: Holding on to offense delays your healing.
  3. Reflect: Were there lessons God wanted you to learn in that relationship?
  4. Focus Forward: Your destiny is not tied to who left but to who stayed—Jesus.
  5. Build Community: Stay open to new God-ordained friendships and accountability.

 

CLOSING: GOD’S PROMISE FOR THE ABANDONED

 

Isaiah 49:15 (NIV):
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”

Even if everyone walks away, God says: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

ALTAR CALL AND PRAYER

 

If you are here and you have been hurt by abandonment, or feel alone because people have walked away, today, God wants to heal your heart.

Prayer:
“Lord, I bring before you every pain of abandonment and betrayal. Heal my heart. Teach me to forgive those who have left me. Help me to see your faithfulness in my loneliness. I receive your love, your comfort, and your strength today. I choose to trust you with my journey and my relationships, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DECLARATION:

 

  • I am not alone; God is with me.
  • I am not defined by who left me but by who stays with me—Jesus.
  • I will walk in forgiveness and freedom.
  • My purpose will not be aborted by people’s absence.
  • I will keep serving, giving, and loving, regardless of who leaves.

 

CHALLENGE TO THE CONGREGATION:

“Who in your life needs your forgiveness today?”
“What pain have you been holding onto because of who left?”
“Will you trust God to fill the empty spaces and continue your journey?”

 

CONCLUSION

When friends turn away and people walk away, remember:

  • It is not the end of your purpose.
  • God is still with you.
  • Your destiny is still intact.
  • You are deeply loved, seen, and remembered by God.

Amen.

 

Feel free to use the above sermon

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