December 16 - 2 Timothy 2:1-4:18

Good morning everyone,

As we come to the end of 2 Timothy, we come as well to the last of Paul’s recorded words. We read today a “trustworthy saying”; If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless,he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” We were reminded to, “flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Instructed to, “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” And to remember that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

But what really stood out to me today was first, Paul had been wronged by Alexander the metalworker. We all have an Alexander in our lives at one point or another who is out to get us, but notice please, Paul did not seek revenge or harbor anger; he simply said, “The Lord will repay him for what he has done.” Friends we must learn from this. Agreed?

Then too what touched my heart was Paul seemed so lonely. Paul’s arrest had probably come so quickly that he had not been allowed to take his personal belongings. Use your minds eye to see him sitting all alone, a prisoner in a dank, cold dungeon. He has probably been whipped or at least beat with sticks, he is weary and tired He knows the end is near for him and so he asked Timothy to bring his coat and his scrolls. He says especially the parchments. He sought comfort in God’s Word.

What I really love about Paul is that in this valley of his life he did not wallow in self pity or doubt. Instead he proclaimed to Timothy that, “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.” He believed the Lord God, our Abba would rescue him from every evil attack and see him safely to his heavenly kingdom. It is important we understand that “rescue” doesn’t necessarily mean the evil, whether fatal disease, pain, or even someone who is a pain will be gone from our lives, but more importantly that God will give us the strength to see us through until the day we move home to heaven. 

Fellow Christians, we need to have the same mindset as Paul. With no qualification, restriction, or limitation, we need to totally know, believe with all that we are, that no matter what happens in our lives here on earth our Father God in heaven is right there by our side, not only going through it with us but often carrying us through. David knew this, He said, “As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me.” Right? We must always keep in mind, Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." No matter what, if you love God, the things that are happening, are happening for good. We may never know what the good was. The good may be for other believers, or even for the salvation of non-believers. We just have to have faith in God that He is in control. Make sense?

God loves us, friends, He loves us immeasurably. He sent His one and only child, his very own son from heaven to be born into this world of sin and suffering, allowing Him to be tortured unto death for the sole purpose of having a relationship with you, and with me. He absolutely agape, unconditionally, loves you and will never, ever leave you or forsake you. You are not alone! When the enemy is working on your head and you are feeling like you are all alone out there, I strongly encourage you to call on His name, tell Him just that, say, “Father God, my Abba, I am feeling so alone right now please comfort me.”  and I promise you, I absolutely guarantee, if confide in Him and then just be still and rest in the confidence of His mighty power, you will feel the warmth of His presence and know His peace. You are never, we are never, alone when our hope is in Christ Jesus! Amen?

Have a good day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..