Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 4:9-10
God allows Paul to share some personal needs as the letter of 2 Timothy is drawing to a close. God desires us to see that the apostles were just like we are today. They were fully human with the same basic needs in life that we still have and were striving to walk in obedience to our Lord. Paul asks Timothy to come to him as soon as he can. As we know, Paul was in prison and was getting close to his day of execution. We also read how Demas had deserted Paul because Demas decided he wanted to live for the garbage of this world rather than live for Christ. We do not know the reason for Crescens and Titus leaving; all we know is that they had left as well. Paul may have sent Crescens and Titus to go and be used by our Lord in Galatia and Dalmatia. We don’t know for sure, but we know Paul was feeling the void of them not being there for him. We have times in our lives when people leave us. Sometimes it’s because they love this present world, like Demas. Then there are times when people move because God calls them to serve Him somewhere else. Whether people move on because of God’s call on their lives or because of fleshly/selfish reasons, either way, there is a void left in our lives. God has designed us for fellowship with Him and with each other. We all need to be in a strong Community Group and a strong D-Group for accountability, encouragement, and growth in Christ.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your need for other strong believers to be in your life to invest in you?
2. How are you growing in our Lord so that you are also investing in others and helping them grow in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!