Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said. The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. 2 Timothy 4:9-18 (NLT)

Even the mighty man of the faith and the vessel through who much of the New Testament precepts and doctrines was communicated didn’t escape this breaking test! Carefully consider our text for today in different bible translations. Paul’s first statement was loaded with disappointment, full of unmet expectations of human support.

Have you been there, when those who you expected to speak for you hid away, and remained distant enough not to be associated with you? My Lord and God Jesus Christ spoke to this also in His journey to the Cross (Matthew 26:31, 56b; Mark 14:27,50). Beloved, expect it at some point if you are following in the path laid for us by the Lord.

In the day of our trouble human self-preservation instinct and fear take over and abandonment results. Desertion hurts and hurts deeply. But the Almighty God knew it all, He saw it all and made provision that we can look to and draw upon (Luke 21:12-19). Ask yourself these questions:

1. Lord, am I prepared for this?
2. Am in such a relationship with You that I can turn to You and rest on You, not resorting to self-pity and to backslide from the faith?
3. Can I do like You did (Luke 23:34), like Stephen did (Acts 7:60) and now Paul (2 Timothy 4:16)?

When human succour fails, God’s presence comes through (2 Timothy 4:17) for purpose to be completed. Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele