READING: Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Timothy 4
Somedays it feels like we’re serving Christ by ourselves. Culture increasingly stands against Christianity. Church members come and go, sometimes choosing to end long-term relationships over some short-term insignificant issue. At times—particularly around the world—a decision to follow Christ is a decision to be ex-communicated from one’s family. Some believers, in fact, serve God faithfully to their persecuted end, dying in Christ even while no other believers are around. It can all be lonely some days . . . .
But, then I’m reminded that Paul experienced loneliness, too. Some turned from the faith and deserted him. At times it felt like no one stood with him. What Paul realized, though, was that he was never alone; rather, he wrote, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Tim 4:17). Even when others turned from the apostle, the Lord did not. He, as He promised, never left Paul nor forsook him (Heb 13:5). The God who called Paul continued to open the door for him to preach the Good News to the nations.
On the lonely days of ministry, we are not alone. The Lord will grant us strength.
PRAYER: “I praise You, God, for keeping me in Your hand.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, Titus 1
