Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 4:16-17
From yesterday’s devotion, we saw that followers of Christ will fail us when they choose to grieve and quench the Holy Spirit living in them. In 2 Timothy 2:16, God continued to have Paul share his testimony of how no one supported Paul when he was on trial for sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, these were believers who deserted Paul, for Paul makes the statement that he hoped God would not count it against them. 2 Timothy 2:16 reveals how Paul showed God’s grace to those who did not stand with him. God desires us to be so mature in our walk with Him that even when fellow believers desert us, we are not bitter toward them but show them the incredible grace God has shown us. The good news that God has Paul share in 2 Timothy 2:17 is that Paul NEVER stood alone. God had Paul share how our Lord stood with Paul and gave Paul the strength he needed so that Paul was able to proclaim the gospel message boldly. Even under severe persecution, God’s strength gave Paul all the boldness he needed to share the gospel so that all Gentiles could hear the Good News. In that particular moment, God delivered Paul from being killed. Nero eventually had Paul killed because of his relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. But when Paul wrote 2 Timothy, God was not finished with the work He was accomplishing through Paul. God has a plan for us and will not call us home until we fulfill all He has for us to do.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how we should respond to believers who desert us and about God accomplishing His will through us?
2. How are you showing God’s grace to those who have failed you or deserted you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!