2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength. . .
Last week I was standing alone at the hostess desk in Applebee’s. There were happy groups everywhere, but I wasn’t joining any of them. It’s a continuing theme for so many. It’s particularly striking during the holidays. Lunch isn’t a big deal, but dinner certainly is tougher.
I know you may be thinking, “your faith can carry you through” or ” you are never alone because God is with you”. True. But those who walk this life alone can’t be strong all the time. At some point we fold, we let down. And that makes us vulnerable to loneliness or at the very least sadness.
Remember the famous “Footprints in the the Sand” poem by Mary Stevenson? It talks about what happened when there was only one set of footprints. That picture goes perfectly with today’s verse. None of us can be strong all the time. But we can rely on God being there to carry and strengthen us.
Sometimes we don’t even have the strength to walk beside God. It’s those times He carries us. Other times we need the strength God brings as He walks with us. We rely on His strength. His wisdom, His love and comfort.
Strength. . . being strong a capacity for exertion or endurance. . .power of resisting attack. That’s how Webster defines strength.
You need God’s strength.
I need God’s strength.
I love the 2 Timothy verse so much. A dear friend bought me a necklace that says – But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength.
Each of us faces situations alone. But God stands with us. With Him I can face whatever may come because He gives me strength.
Maybe you never thought of it that way before.
Maybe you never noticed that verse before.
When you feel alone – when you don’t feel strong enough. . . remember this verse.
The Lord stands with you & gives you strength.