Forsaken and Abandoned: 2 Timothy 1:15
“15) You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.” 2 Timothy 1:15
Have you ever been abandoned or betrayed by people close to you? Paul was; “All who were in Asia turned away from me.”
Jesus was as well. For the most part He went to the cross alone. He even cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
One of the hardest parts of life boils down to being let down or forsaken by people or investments. It happens all the time; you better be ready for it. Maybe you are going through abandonment or rejection right now. This devotional may be for you.
Let me share some practical advice. Beware of building your life on other people rather than on the Lord. People are people. They have weaknesses and flaws. They will let you down. But God promises to never leave or forsake us. So where in the Bible is that promise found?
Hebrews 13:5 says; “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said; “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Isn’t that insightful? He is saying that money and investments will fail, but He will never forsake us.
This promise was most likely taken from Deuteronomy 31:1-8. It was the last charge Moses made to Joshua and Israel before his death. In verses 6 & 8 Moses promised them that God would go with them into the Promised Land and that He would never fail or forsake them.
God always keeps His Word. Therefore, they had reason to be strong and courageous though they were embarking on a totally new adventure marked with manifold challenges including many formable enemies. They could have courage because God promised to go before them. They were not facing the unknown alone!
Jesus said the same thing to His followers in Matthew 28:20. He promised to be with them always, even to the end of the age. They also were facing an uncertain future. So how does this work in our lives?
Paul shared an amazing story in Acts 27:14-44 of a tragic ship wreck. When all hope of being saved was lost, in verses 23-24, Paul shared how God stood with him in the middle of the night and strengthen him. He in turn became the source of strength and courage to all on board. I believe God wants to do the same through you and me as well in our day. He wants to become our anchor of hope.
Paul returned to this theme in 2 Timothy 4:16-18. He pointed out that at his first defense for the gospel, most likely when on trial at Rome, all deserted him. But he quickly clarified in verse 17; “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” This is a reoccurring theme in the New Testament. Jesus stands with His own even when others seem to evaporate.
This is also the testimony of many who suffer for the gospel in the persecuted church. They tell stories of Jesus standing with them and strengthening them at the darkest times and of amazing miracles and provisions. Gods grace is made perfect in our weakness.
We can conclude from these verses that friends will most likely disappoint and abandon us! Our false security in money and investments will fail. But Jesus Christ will be with His own to the very end. He will never fail, leave or forsake us.
This comforts me in these very strange and difficult days. I am fixing my eyes and hope on the Lord! He invites you to do the same.
If you are living with fear, frenzy and anxiety these days, it’s most likely because your hope and trust are tragically misplaced. You better fix that problem immediately! I have zero confidence that godless society has has any clue how to turn this tide. It might be wise to discern the signs of the times because false hope is about to be offered by the god of this world.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
