Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
September 28, 2021
Read 2 Timothy 4:14-18
14 Alexander, the craftsman who works with metal, has really hurt me. The Lord will pay him back for what he has done. 15 But watch out for him, because he opposes our teaching. 16 No one took my side at my first court hearing. Everyone deserted me. I hope that God doesn’t hold it against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the entire message would be preached through me and so all the nations could hear it. I was also rescued from the lion’s mouth! 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and always. Amen.
Good Morning! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
In 2 Timothy Chapter 4, Paul is continuing to help prepare Timothy for his own ministry. Paul is in prison and knows that his time to join His Lord and Savior is near. In the earlier verses, he prepares Timothy to be aware and vigilant when people find ministers who preach what they want to hear instead of relying on the word of God. vs. 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
In this part of the letter, Paul is sharing a bit of his own struggles, particularly with Alexander. He reminds Timothy and us that the Lord will stand by our side, even when all seem to abandon us. Despite Paul’s imprisonment, He continues to give glory to God.
In times of struggle, we sometimes feel that others don’t understand our troubles. When we work to challenge the injustice done, it seems that no one is by our side. Our friends talk and encourage us to fight the battle, but when it comes time to stand up and speak, they are not by our side. Maybe they are in hiding, or maybe they simply forgot because the injustice was not their own. Only the one who witnessed the misdeed is compelled to act.
Paul reminds us that God is always with us, even when our friends have walked away. God will give us the strength to endure, and will bless us when we care for those who are suffering. With God, all things are possible! Be diligent to right the wrongs of evil against all God’s children.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. May we draw upon Your strength to stand up for others. Help us to mount up with wings as eagles; run, and not be weary; and walk, and not faint. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I am feeling alone and tired, I remember that the Lord is nearby to give me strength.
The Lord is my Strength! Pastor Liz
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