“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 4:17 (NIV)
In the face of relational turmoil, abandonment, betrayal, prison, and coming death, Paul found strength and comfort in the presence of the Lord. The word Paul used for “Lord” here is “kurios” in the Greek, meaning Lord or Master. It refers to someone who has absolute ownership rights and authority. Because Paul had completely given Himself over to God as a servant, he didn’t look for affirmation from anywhere but his Master. Paul wasn’t dependent upon anyone else for comfort or companionship. As long as he had the love and presence of the Master, he was content.
Do you feel alone? Have you been abandoned by people you thought would be with you through thick and thin? Are you facing your accusers and wondering if you’ll make it through?
Can you say the following words sincerely from your heart? Can you find assurance in the presence of the Lord while feeling lonely and abandoned?
“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.”
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