October 3

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, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will deliver 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.

This is Paul’s last letter, written in prison, where he was soon beheaded. It is humbling to contrast his life with our life—as we live here in relative comfort. What basis do we have for any complaint; can there be any reason we are not on our knees in thanksgiving to our Lord? Do we complain when others do not support us, or when they openly attack us? Yes, I am afraid that we do. Yet we see Paul in a spirit of total forgiveness, much as our Lord did at the cross. He is thankful that he was not delivered to the lions after his first trial, and he is totally focused on giving thanks and glory to the Lord, Jesus.

What is Paul’s source of strength? He clearly says that it is derived from the Lord who stands with him. The Lord, Himself, is in prison with Paul. Is that not also true of us? The Lord never leaves us—any situation that we encounter is an opportunity to witness the evidence of His Spirit operating within us.

Today Lord, let me draw newly found strength from you. I am weak, but You are strong. Let me see you at work continually around me. I will not be led into doubt or anger over the actions of others—even when they are hostile to my way of life. I will forgive them completely, not holding any grudge against them. For after all, You have paid the full price for forgiveness. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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