Never Alone
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-22
Paul closes his second letter to Timothy with some instructions and personal remarks. He begins by listing several individuals who had “deserted” him. Some for really bad reasons (Demas–more interested in the pleasures of thus world); others for not so bad reasons (Tychicus–sent to Ephesus by Paul); others we’re not told why (Crescens and Titus). For whatever reason, the only one left with Paul is Luke….and, for whatever reason, Paul is looking for more company and more encouragement. So, he asks Timothy to come to see him soon and bring Mark along with him (the same John Mark that he had refused to let go on the second missionary trip with him and Barnabus! Apparently, reconciliation has taken place there!). Paul also reflects on his first trial and says, “At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.” Paul certainly knew what it was like to stand alone.
There are times in our lives that we’re going to probably feel the same way. Maybe it’s at a school where you feel like you are the only one taking a stand for Christ. Maybe it’s at a job where even those coworkers who call themselves “Christian” do ungodly things. Maybe it’s a conviction you’ve taken a stand for and no one else has joined you in that stand. Maybe it’s even in your own home. For whatever reason, you find yourself standing alone.
If so, listen to the very next words from Paul’s pen: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.”
BUT THE LORD STOOD WITH ME!!!! As a child of God we are NEVER alone! Throughout biblical history God’s children have discovered this truth over and over again. Noah did as he sat in an ark escaping a mighty flood. Daniel did as he sat all night in a den full of hungry lions. Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah (or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) did as they sat in a fiery furnace that had been heated to seven times hotter than usual. And the examples could go on and on and on.
Throughout history, God’s people have learned that they never stand alone because God never abandons His children. Don’t get me wrong; it is true that we receive encouragement from being around other believers. (There WAS good reason Paul was asking for Timothy and Mark to come visit!) However, all the encouragement in the world from other believers can’t compare to the encouragement found in Christ!
No matter where you are today, know that you are not alone!
Soli Deo gloria
