At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. – 2 Timothy 4:16-17
Have you ever wanted to do something, but it seemed like nobody else wanted you to do it? Maybe they weren't actively stopping you, but they also weren't supporting you? Perhaps it was something you felt God leading you to do – starting a new ministry, working with a particular demographic, changing jobs, moving, financially supporting an organization, etc. The possibilities are endless. If this has ever happened to you, you're not alone. The great missionary and apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, faced the same challenges.
In writing to Timothy he says that no one supported him when he shared the Gospel and some even abandoned him. This gives the impression that some who were following Christ and working alongside Paul in his mission turned away from him. Maybe you've experienced this – a close friend or relative that suddenly turned away from supporting you and the mission God gave you. Don't lose heart.
Consider Paul's response to this situation:
May it not be held against them. – 2 Timothy 4:16b
First, Paul didn't hold a grudge. Easy to say, hard to do! These people, some friends knowing the importance of this mission, abandoned him, yet Paul did not ask God to come against them or bring hardship in response to their desertion. Instead, he asks that their inability to stand firm with him not be held against them. He had compassion on them.
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength . . . 2 Timothy 4:17a
Second, Paul recognized and accepted the Lord's strength. It can be easy to face these hardships and keep pushing on thinking, Fine! I'll just do it on my own! I didn't need your support anyway! In doing this we forget Who called us to this mission in the first place. God doesn't call you to something and leave you halfway to the finish line with no strength, no resources, and no help. Recognize that the Lord called you to this and He will see you through, providing all you need to accomplish the goal He has set before you.
. . . so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. – 2 Timothy 4:17b
Finally, Paul carried on for the Glory of God! Consider this – what if Paul had decided he was defeated and gave up? Think of how many Gentiles, how many people, may have never heard the love of Christ. What about your mission? Who would miss out if you gave up? The enemy will try to tell you that your mission is small and unimportant, that you're not really doing anything anyways. I mean what difference could you actually make for the Kingdom? Never believe this. Your mission, no matter how big or how small you perceive it to be, is vital. God created you for a purpose and a destiny laid out before the creation of the world. There is someone waiting for you that they might hear, see, and experience the love of their Creator.
Press on so that at the end you can say with confidence what Paul declared:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
P.S. Immediately after God spoke to me concerning this message I turned on my iPod and this awesome song from Big Daddy Weave came on. It was so perfect and fit so well that I wanted to share it with you. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find an audio or video file of this song. So until I run across this, please enjoy the lyrics. And I encourage you to try finding the song yourself to listen to!
My child I've hoped and I've prayed for this very day,
Since you were just a little one,
And oh how my heart swells with pride,
As I watch the man that you've become.
But this life offers no guarantees,
And though my time on this earth had to end,
I'm sure that your heart would know peace,
If you could just see where I am.
From here the race has been run and love's already won,
I see clearly the end and the start,
From here I'm cheering you on,
So live out each breath with all that you've got.
Oh, and know until I hold you close,
I'll be holding you dear in my heart from here.
I've seen your tears as you've waited alone,
Longing for the special one,
And now all the waiting is done,
As you gaze into her eyes seeing the reflection of love.
Life's road may seem rough up ahead,
And form now you see only in part,
So hold onto each other and know,
That there is an end to the dark.
From here the race has been run and love's already won,
I see clearly the end and the start,
From here I'm cheering you on,
So live out each breath with all that you've got.
Oh, and know until I hold you close,
I'll be holding you dear in my heart from here.
Heaven is calling and my heart keeps longing,
Looking so forward to the day,
When we'll be together forever in eternity,
Just you wait and see.
From here the race has been run and love's already won,
I see clearly the end and the start,
From here I’m cheering you on,
So live out each breath with all that you've got.
Oh, and know until I hold you close,
I'll be holding you dear in my heart from here, yeah, from here.
