SUPPORT OR
ATTACK?
Tenth of
fourteen devotions in Gethsemane series
2
Timothy 4:9-16
2
Timothy 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me
from every attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.”
Timothy was like a son to Apostle
Paul. Tagging along watching Paul establish
new churches, Timothy learning the value of friends. Silas partnered with Paul with new church
start-ups in Asia. Barnabas encouraged
Paul in his ministry. But others failed
Paul when times got tough (2 Timothy 1:15).
People are weird. Who can figure what makes people tick? As we struggle with problems in life, some
friends stick to us as close as glue. Others
aren’t sure how to react to hardship.
Selfish people flee—hoping they’re not asked for anything.
This teaches us the importance of
reaching out to people during crises. Sticking to friends as close as glue costs
energy and a lot of time. First, we pray
about the situation, asking God how we can help. Then we provide whatever assistance is
required. Sometimes all people need is
emotional support.
But if physical or financial support
is needed, we’re in for the long haul.
Has anyone ever asked you for spiritual guidance? Yes you can!
Pray with them. Stand beside them. Encourage them.
Never abandon people who’re in need! Check out the lesson linked below for two who
were utterly abandoned.
In 2 Timothy1:15, Paul writes, “You
know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus
and Hermogenes.” !!! Oh wow.
If that has ever happened to you, you will likely never desert a friend
who needs help.
Some people are too proud to ask for
help. “I got this,” they say. And you can see plainly that they’re in over
their heads. Again, stand by closely after
offering your assistance. Unless they do
ask, never butt into a situation where you’re not welcome. (You may know exactly what they need). Even God won’t butt into someone’s life who
doesn’t first approach Him. (God knows
for sure what’s needed)!
No one appreciates a know-it-all.
Take Home Nugget
When people let us down, do like
when Jesus prayed from the cross—and now Paul—ask the Father to forgive them. 2 Timothy 4:16 says, “At my defense, no one
came to my support, but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them.”
Why not? How can anyone survive under attack or being
abandoned? Paul continues in verse 17,
“But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength, so that the message might
be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”
Spreading the Gospel is the bottom
line, after all.
Thank You Lord, for stretching
me during my time in Gethsemane this Lenten season.
Adapted from “When Others Fail Us.” Dr. Charles Stanley. March 23, 2015. In Touch magazine. Georgia, USA.
J.D. Griffith
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