Satan loves pouring salt on our wounds.
Not the preservative salt of God’s truth, but instead the painful salt of abandonment by those we thought would support us.
His objective, of course, is to lure us into thinking that nobody cares about us.
Particularly if we’ve been doing the right things yet it seems that nobody appreciates it.
Our perspectives can be skewed at such times and we’re not totally absent of support. But when we’re hurting, it can sure seem that way.
Listen, God never abandons those wearing His name.
This is a truth that no amount of lies from Satan can displace.
Even in the most difficult of times, the most lonely of times, God is with us because we’ve asked Him to dwell WITHIN us.
I was reminded of this truth by the Apostle Paul while reading from 2 Timothy 4:16-18 as part of my devotional read today:
“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. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
In view of all that Paul had done for the Kingdom of God and for countless thousands of Christians, the last thing he should have expected was abandonment while he faced religious persecution and looming death.
But people are people and self-preservation so often becomes more important than spiritual fidelity.
What Paul faced must have been crushing to his heart. Put yourself in his place for just a few moments.
Imagine being a faithful church pastor and you’ve sacrificed every earthly thing to keep the ministry going and yet, various forms of oppression have scared off all your weak-faithed members. The temptation would be to say, “What’s the use?” and take the easy way of compromise.
It’s at such a time when trusting God will still provide more than enough strength to keep sharing the Word — 2 Cor. 9:8
And when our mission is done, we’ll safely arrive in heaven.
Let’s remember this promise, no matter how lonely we feel at work or at home or at school… or at church.
We’re never alone, my friend.
God promised so when He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).
As always, I love you
Martin
