Who’s Got Your Back?

Larry Mancini

 

“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.” - II Timothy 4:16-17

 

There are times in our lives when we expect people to be there for us—when we lose a loved one to death, when we are sick, when we are going through trouble in our lives. We hope the people that we have helped at one point in their lives will respond to our need. However, sometimes the opposite happens. They are nowhere to be found. They disappear. Paul experienced this. Those who deserted him were the very people to whom he had preached the gospel. They were believers. Paul had brought the message of hope to them. Now, when he was standing trial because of his faith, they stayed away. But the Lord stood with him, helping him, encouraging him, giving him strength. Perhaps you can recall a time in your life similar to this one in Paul's life. Maybe you experienced it this week. The good news is the Lord is with you. There may be no human help in sight, but there is One in heaven who knows your every care! He will never leave you! Cast your cares upon him because he cares for you!

 

“Lord, you know what it feels like to be deserted by your friends. When you were dying on the cross, most of your followers were hiding, fearing for their own lives. You forgave them. You even forgave the ones putting you to death. Help me not to hold anything against those who have failed me. Forgive them! And help me to be there for those who are in need. Thank you for being true to your promises! You will never leave me or forsake me! Thank you for standing with me when human help has vanished. I pray this in your name. Amen!”