God's Strength is There Even When We Feel Alone
Devotional Contributor: Jamie Hall
Scripture:
2 Timothy 4:16-18 “At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Observation:
This scripture reaches deep into my experience for I once felt “without Him” in my life. It was by “chance” that I was asked to write the devotional for this scripture, however, it resonated that much more for me; a sign, a gift from our Heavenly Father that I was not then and that I am not today, without Him.
There were so many times in my life that I was Demas; in lust with the present world, deserting the ministry, opposing the messages. Much like Alexander, the Lord repaid me for those deeds. It was not until I was completely lost and feeling as if all deserted me that I felt I had nowhere to turn. My “last resort” was to pray, to reach out with what little faith I had left begging God to help, to show me mercy, to lighten the path, to give me some sort of change because I had nothing left; I was internally empty.
This process (embarrassingly) repeated itself several times throughout my childhood and younger adult life. At my lowest points I held onto the phrase, “I am not alone.” A good friend of mine passed away very young and I connected that phrase with that loss. Little did I know, it wasn’t just for that friend, it was our Heavenly Father who repeatedly showed up for me, who repeatedly showed me that I am not alone, I am with Him as He is with me.
Application:
Once I realized I kept turning to Him only in disparity, I was devastated. I needed and desired to change that because every single time He brought me peace! Every single time, I felt rescued. I had to do something different, it was time for change.
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.”
I read His word more, I spoke His word more, I asked and discussed His word more. I no longer was embarrassed and for the first time, I proudly shared with everyone around me that I am a Christian.
He stood by me taller than ever and I, to this day, feel His strength flowing through my body. As I give Him thanks and gratitude beyond just requests and repenting, He rescues me.
God’s strength is there when we are at peaks of happiness and also in the depths of despair. He doesn’t choose when to be with us, when to love us or whether or not if we need Him. He is there. Always. And we are never alone without Him.
Request:
Dear Heavenly Father, I lift this pray up to you in complete humility and gratitude as it is You that has been there with me every step of every day. It is Your strength that I turn to when I feel weak, it is Your grace that I need when I fall into temptation, and it is Your love that strengthens me every single day. It is Your resilience surrounds me and I will praise You, ALWAYS, no matter the presence I am in. I will not turn my back to You. With You, I am never alone. God, please strengthen those who are wiry of Your love and of Your word. Help to open their hearts, minds and souls. Please show them Your grace and Your mercy. We need You every day, all day. Your love is so unconditional and we are unworthy. Thank You for never giving up on all of us. It is in Your name that I pray, Amen.