2 Timothy 4;16-18 ''At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.''
Have you ever felt abandoned like Paul in the verses above? As Tim McGraw sings, 'I'll find comfort God knows, cuz you left me just when I needed you most.' Man is man with faults and that includes all of us. Are we as grace giving as Paul so that 'it may not be counted against them?' I think that is where you find peace in your heart. Holding a grudge holds you as the prisoner more than any other.
When you know 'the Lord stood with me and strengthened me' applies to you too, then you can stand firm alone through any of life's trials. The Lord is always on our defense team and 'will rescue me from every evil deed.'
We are never forsaken by the One we need the most. We have 3 types of people in our lives... people for a season, people for a reason, and a few people for a lifetime... but God for eternity.
As an aside, I just read a Facebook pic that said, "If a friendship lasts for 7 years, it is said that it will last for a lifetime." Thank God for the Lord, who laid down His life not for His friends, but for dirty, rotten sinners like me. If He did that, He will surely be with us for eternity. Hallelujah and Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteWow. This makes my heart sing! Learned today that two more people I know (not close friends) have gone into hospice. Have felt down ever since. Until I read this. Thanks, Angie.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that last paragraph. We are never forsaken by the One we need the most....even though we deserve to be! So thankful that He is my forever friend....what a gift is that?!! Praise the Lord, indeed! Love you, T.
ReplyDeleteI especially liked that last sentence Thanks. Mom
ReplyDeleteAngie,
ReplyDeleteI never thought about people in this way, but now that I have, you are right. You have such a mature insight about life. Love reading your blogs. Bonnie