2 Timothy 4:16-17 - Never Alone

The Apostle Paul spent his last days in Rome under house arrest, awaiting capital charges before Caesar. He wrote to his protégé, Timothy, asking him to "make every effort to come to me soon." (2 Timothy 4:9, New American Standard Bible, 1995) Though the physician, Luke, was with Paul (and maybe even took dictation for the letter), Paul explained how isolated and alone he was. 

One coworker (Tychicus) had been sent by Paul on an errand to a distant city. But one of his fellow missionaries (Demas) abandoned God as well as Paul. Another supposed Christian (Alexander) had attacked both Paul and his message. 

Of his first court hearing, Paul wrote, "No one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them." He could be forgiving because just as he experienced the sufferings of Christ, He knew Christ's presence as well. When everyone else fled, "the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message [of Jesus Christ] might be fully proclaimed." (2 Timothy 4:16-17, New International Version. Cp. Philippians 3:10).

Whether others deliberately abandon or attack us, or circumstances separate us from loved ones, most of us can relate to feeling isolated. Alone. Yet, as different translations put it:
"The Lord stood with me..." (NASB95)
"The Lord stood by me..." (NET Bible)

Lord, regardless of whether You stand with us or by us, Your presence is what we need. May that comfort and encourage us to share Your message of forgiveness, the message of the Gospel, the message of Emmanuel, "God with us." Amen.