2 Timothy 4:9-22,
“Paul endured prison alone, where he felt deeply isolated. In the last months of his life, he gave us the wonderful secret of what to do in times of intense loneliness”
2 Timothy 4:9-22.
1. Recognizing the presence of God
From 2 Timothy 4:27, Paul wrote that the Lord stood with him. He could change his situation, but in that lonely damp prison cell, he remembered that God was with him.
2. Recalling how faithfully God strengthens
From 2 Timothy 4:17, the Lord supported Paul infusing him with strength. The apostle knew that no one could take his life without God’s permission. We often quote (Philippians 4:13)
” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens”
Philippians 4:13
significantly, Paul was confined to prison as he wrote these words. Even though he faced discouraging circumstances, he had an unwavering sense of hope within because he understood the truth that his life was totally under the omnipotent, watchful care of the Lord Jesus
3. Paul Combatted his feelings of loneliness by reminding himself that he had the awesome privileged of fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.
What incredible encouragement that is to know we are a part of God’s providential plan! David also found encouragement in the Lord’s presence. Many of the psalms he penned were written as a result of the utmost dire situations. Yet he wrote these words:
“This poor man cried out and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles”
(Psalms 34:6
Finally, Paul asked Timothy to bring some books with him “especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). These priceless documents were no doubt the word of God. Knowing the apostle Paul, we may assume that he hungers for copies of scripture. In an hour of great loneliness, the word of God brings great comfort.
Conclusion
The Lord Jesus Christ felt totally alone as he faced his death. The bible says,
“All the disciples forsook Him and fled” ( Matthew 26:56). And on the cross, He cried out, My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”
Matthew 27:46
Jesus knows all about loneliness, yet He also knows the joy of being carried through the loneliest of times on the wings of faith, confident that the father will never abandon us. He stands as the ultimate example of one who faced the perils of loneliness without losing heart so, should we?
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