BUT THE LORD
2 TIMOTHY 4:16-18
2 TIMOTHY 4:16-18 NKJ
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
OBSERVATION:
The book of Second Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote. He writes Timothy to warn him and instruct him. But Paul also ends his letter with a strong testimony of God's goodness.
Paul, who is now fairly old for his day, is confident in how he has finished the work God gave him to do. He does not brag but declares he kept the faith and has run his race.
But Paul never appeared to have an easy time. In this fourth chapter, he tells of staff members who have deserted him and people who hurt him.
When he had to defend himself against a man named Alexander, everyone around him abandoned him. Paul's response showed his maturity as he asked the Lord not to charge it against them. That's impressive. He could have said some harsh things about those who left him at his time of need.
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. I love that phrase. Everyone else took off, but the Lord never did. The Lord stood with me and gave me strength.
And Paul declares he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Out of a lion's mouth is closer than I would prefer.
And then Paul's confidence in the Lord comes through loud and clear. The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly Kingdom. What an outstanding confession of faith in God.
APPLICATION:
People may come and go, but the Lord is the One who will be there in good times and bad.
We can follow Paul's declaration of faith, especially as we endeavor to do what God calls us to do. The Lord stood with Paul and gave him strength in order that the Gentiles might hear the gospel.
As we follow the Lord in our lives, He will stand with us also. This is not limited to preachers but all of those serving God wherever we are called.
He will stand with us, strengthen us and deliver us out of trouble.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord thank You for Your faithfulness. Regardless of what people do You never leave me or forsake me and You will bring me through. I am so grateful for You!