2 Timothy 4:16 KJV At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This is Paul’s second time in prison under Nero the ruler of Rome at the time. Paul was released the first time but this time he knows he will not be set free (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Before he was arrested in Rome there were those who helped him and were not ashamed or afraid of being associated with him but that all changed when he was arrested. The fear was so strong in these people that none of them came to show support when Paul was brought before the court. They had all abandoned him in a dangerous and helpless situation. He was alone. We have all been left alone, abandoned when we needed help and strength the most. As believers we may feel alone but like Paul we know our God stands with us and strengthens us in our time of need. How do we know this:
Matthew 27:46 KJV And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Jesus, Himself, cried out to His God, why have you forsaken me? Jesus knows and was touched with the feeling of being alone and abandoned. This means:
Hebrews 4:14 KJV Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus, our great high priest, is now at the right hand of God the Father waiting for us to come boldly to the throne room of grace by His blood. Jesus is inviting us to come to the throne of grace not judgment. He knows our weaknesses and He alone is our strength. Come to find grace and learn that Jesus is leaning toward us to help us.
I encourage you to embrace the love of God, the cross of Christ, to withstand the trials and sufferings of life knowing God has already turned all things into good. Which is partly learning:
Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
