Week 46
2 Timothy 4:16-17 “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished.”
In the ministry of the kingdom, we will often find ourselves tested to the point of despair and potential hopelessness. Many times this test will come in the form of human failure in our life experience.
In Paul’s case, he found that when he was put on trial for his ministry and faithfulness to Christ, he not only had the pressure of personal risk, but all others (surely including those who had previously befriended him and partnered with him in the work of Christ) had DESERTED him. This is a strong word – DESERTED! The word implies failed expectations, broken promises, and lack of dependability. Paul felt alone, alone against the power and might of the Roman Empire, against the onslaught of evil.
However, it is the case that when we find ourselves without human resources God’s resources show up. It is the common testimony of Christians that when we stand in that terrible place of danger for the cause of Christ, and others flee in fear, God stands with us in mercy, grace, peace, love, and strength. Such was Paul’s testimony.
God stood with Paul in the hour of his greatest need. God stood with Paul and strengthened him. Paul felt God’s presence, Paul sensed God’s gift of strength. Many of God’s tested saints can bear witness to divine assistance and help when everything falls apart. Perhaps it is when life caves in that we find God and His grace to be the most prominently on display in our lives. It is in such cases that we find our need for God more profoundly, and it is in such cases where we find God to be the sweetest and the best, resulting in our souls soaring in praise and joy to God’s glory.
As a result, Paul was able to continue the work to which God had called him; he was able to continue to proclaim the magnificent gospel of the crucified Savior.
This life for Christians is a dusty trail; this earthly sojourn is a troublesome path. It is even more so when we seek to live for Christ and proclaim Him as Savior, Lord, and the Hope of the world. But we are not alone, even when all leave us alone. May it always be said of us that when we are alone, we are never lonely, for God is with us. He will not leave us to our fears, and He will not allow humans to determine our fate. God alone is the Captain of our destiny; He is with us to the very end.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to not forget You in the darkest hour of my life. There are times when I feel myself completely alone in the work of the kingdom. But I thank You that You stand with me and assist me to continue on. I pray this day that You will stand with me by Your grace and help me to be faithful to Your truth. Amen.