Strengthened To Share In Times Of Suffering!-{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.” -{2 Timothy 4:16-18}.
He was abandoned. All alone it would seem, but Paul testifies he was not alone for he was conscious “The LORD Stood with me!” Humanly abandoned, forsaken, NO one to support him, but not by the LORD. No matter who abandons, deserts, or fails to support you, be it temporarily or forever, you can count on it He will not who has promised ”I WILL NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE YOU!”-{Heb 13;5}. And note Paul’s response to Him in regards to those who had forsaken and left him, “may it not be counted against them” like his LORD on the cross and Stephen who was full of the Holy Spirit while being stoned- his was a heart of forgiveness!
The LORD stood with him to specifically STRENGTHEN him to what end? The words, ”SO THAT…” give the explanation.
“SO THAT through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear;…” The Gospel may go forth to Paul and God’s enemies! He was STRENGTHENED TO SHARE THE GOOD, THE GOD NEWS!
Paul in the midst of his own suffering; The suffering of rejection, the suffering of incarceration, was Strengthened by God not to escape his circumstances but to stand in his circumstances and DECLARE THE GOSPEL- TO THOSE IN SPIRITUAL CHAINS, PRISONERS OF THE EVIL ONE! They thought he was the prisoner and they were free! Not so, they were spiritual slaves, and before them stood a man eternally set free, representing the Bondage breaker with the Loving Message from Him for them to set them free!
God will place a man, woman, boy, or girl who is His to share with those who need to Hear of Him, Such is the Love of Christ for them!
Your suffering and difficulties may be the opportunity for others to hear the Gospel!
Despite in some cases the evil intentions of others, God will turn it out for good in using your circumstances…
“SO THAT…”
You may know He is with you
“SO THAT…”
You may Turn to and Trust The LORD…
“SO THAT…”
You may experience His Strengthening, and enabling
“SO THAT…”
You May Pray and Forgive those who sin against you…
“SO THAT…”
You may Share the Gospel… even with your enemies “…so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear…”
In your circumstances, suffering, and difficulties, look at the people who are in your circumstances and pray for Him to strengthen you to share the Gospel of Liberty with those in bondage around you. Please pray also for me and mine to do likewise.
There is a…
“SO THAT…” to be considered in your suffering and difficulties.
God Is working it all out for good such as for Your Benefit, Others Benefit, His Glory IN the SPREADING and SHARING of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
God bless
Aidan.