“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, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17)
When someone you love dies, divorces or deserts you, it hurts deeply. Even Paul wasn’t exempt. Here are some of his last words: “Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me … Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me … Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm … The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me … But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength … he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom” (vv. 9-18).
The fact is, you can survive without others but you can’t survive without God. That’s why He strips away things that make us dependent on people. He sends certain individuals into your life to help build your faith and develop your character, and when they’re gone, to leave you with the assurance that God is in control. We struggle with this because WE want to be in control. But God sometimes allows circumstances to bring us to the point where we will call out to God for help.
The loss of loved ones shows you the scope of God’s power. When Moses died and Joshua was left in charge, God told him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 1:5). That’s something Joshua could never have learned while Moses was still in the picture. And it’s a lesson you can’t learn while you’re looking to someone else or something for your answers.
So, turn to the Lord. Let the one who said, “Peace be still” to the storm on Galilee, speak peace to the thing that’s troubling you today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me remember You are always there for me, even if it feels others are not. Thank you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
