Strength | Short Sermon Series

“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 4:17

This verse comes from the last letter that the apostle Paul would write. Having been imprisoned for the second time, Paul was currently awaiting his trial in Rome, and he knew that this could very well be his last few days on earth. It is in this context that Paul recounts the first time he was imprisoned and sent to trial - "At my first defence, no one took my part; all deserted me.", Paul says in verse 16. However, though Paul was abandoned and seemingly left to fend for himself at his first trial, he was never actually alone. The Lord was by his side, giving him strength and grace to testify and clear his name. Paul recognises that it was only through the grace of God that he survived his first trial and was delivered “from the lion’s mouth”.

This is a very powerful testimony from Paul – having experienced the supernatural grace and strength of God protecting him in his first brush with death, he was now able to look towards his next trial with much peace and confidence in God. Even if this trial led to his death, he could take comfort in the knowledge that he would not be alone. God was still standing with Paul and giving him strength to face the dangers in front of him.

What dangers, trials or tribulations are you facing today? Just as Paul drew much comfort from recounting how God had been faithful to him in the past, would we also look to the many times God has stood with us and given us strength. Our God is an unchanging and everlasting God – His love for us remains steadfast, and we can have full assurance that He will never leave us. God has been faithful to us in the past, and He will continue to be faithful today, and forevermore!

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