The Lord Stood with Me

Primary Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 4:16–18 KJV 1900

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Introduction

In the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is writing his final letter, likely from a Roman prison, to his spiritual son, Timothy. This chapter reflects Paul’s awareness that his life and ministry are coming to an end. He provides a charge to Timothy to remain faithful in preaching the Word, warning him of the coming challenges, such as false teachers and widespread rejection of sound doctrine.

Paul’s instructions emphasize steadfastness in ministry despite difficulties, while his personal reflections reveal his sense of fulfillment in having fought the good fight and finished the race. In verses 16-18, Paul recounts how he was abandoned during his legal defense but declares with confidence that the Lord stood with him, strengthened him, and delivered him.

This chapter is a heartfelt mix of exhortation, encouragement, and personal testimony, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, God is faithful to sustain His people. It challenges us to remain committed to Christ and His mission, regardless of opposition or personal cost.

Loneliness is a universal human experience. Even the most faithful of God’s servants, like the Apostle Paul, faced moments of abandonment. Paul, nearing the end of his life, writes to Timothy with raw honesty about being forsaken by others yet sustained by the presence and power of God. This passage is not only a testament to Paul’s steadfast faith but also an encouragement to us today as we face trials, loneliness, and challenges in our walk with Christ.

1. The Reality of Forsaken Moments (v. 16)

“At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.”

Paul recounts a moment when he stood alone during his defense. This “first answer” likely refers to a legal hearing in Rome where no one came to support him. Consider the following:

• The Pain of Abandonment:

Paul experienced what many believers face: betrayal, abandonment, or rejection. Even those he discipled and worked alongside did not stand with him.

Psalm 27:10 (KJV): “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.”

• Paul’s Christlike Forgiveness:

Notice Paul’s response. He prays that their abandonment would not be held against them. This reflects the heart of Jesus on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34).

Many individuals in Scripture faced moments of standing alone for their faith or calling. These moments demonstrate their courage, trust in God, and commitment to His will, even when abandoned or opposed by others. Here are some notable examples:

1. Noah

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 6:5-9; 7:1-5

• Situation: Noah stood alone in a corrupt world, obediently building an ark as God commanded, despite widespread ridicule and disbelief.

• Lesson: Faithfulness to God often requires standing firm against societal opposition.

• Key Verse: Genesis 6:8 (KJV): “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

2. Abraham

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 22:1-18

• Situation: Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land, trusting God alone. Later, he stood alone in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his promised son.

• Lesson: Faith in God sometimes means leaving behind familiar comforts and trusting His promises completely.

• Key Verse: Romans 4:3 (KJV): “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

3. Joseph

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 37; 39-41

• Situation: Betrayed by his brothers, Joseph found himself alone in Egypt, falsely accused and imprisoned. Yet he remained faithful to God and rose to power as a deliverer for his family.

• Lesson: God’s presence sustains His people, even in isolation and injustice.

• Key Verse: Genesis 39:21 (KJV): “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

4. Elijah

• Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 18:17-40; 19:10-18

• Situation: Elijah stood alone against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, boldly declaring that the LORD is the true God. Later, he felt utterly alone, believing he was the only prophet left faithful to God.

• Lesson: Even when we feel isolated, God assures us that we are never truly alone and His plans are still unfolding.

• Key Verse: 1 Kings 18:22 (KJV): “I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.”

5. Jeremiah

• Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 15:15-21; 20:7-9

• Situation: Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah faced isolation, imprisonment, and rejection for faithfully proclaiming God’s message of judgment and repentance.

• Lesson: Faithfulness to God’s calling may result in rejection, but His Word is like fire within us, compelling us to continue.

• Key Verse: Jeremiah 20:9 (KJV): “But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones.”

6. Daniel

• Scripture Reference: Daniel 6:1-23

• Situation: Daniel stood alone when he continued praying to God despite a decree forbidding worship of anyone other than King Darius. His faith led him to the lion’s den, where God delivered him.

• Lesson: Obedience to God is more important than obedience to man, and God honors those who trust Him.

• Key Verse: Daniel 6:22 (KJV): “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.”

7. Esther

• Scripture Reference: Esther 4:10-17; 5:1-8

• Situation: Queen Esther risked her life to approach the king and plead for the deliverance of her people, standing alone in her decision to act courageously for God’s purpose.

• Lesson: Standing in faith often requires courage and sacrificial action.

• Key Verse: Esther 4:14 (KJV): “And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

8. John the Baptist

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 6:14-29

• Situation: John stood alone in the wilderness, boldly proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and rebuking sin, even in powerful leaders like Herod.

• Lesson: God calls us to stand for truth, regardless of opposition or personal cost.

• Key Verse: John 1:23 (KJV): “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.”

9. Jesus

• Scripture Reference: John 6:66-69; Matthew 26:36-46; 27:46

• Situation: Jesus stood utterly alone at times, from the desert temptations to the Garden of Gethsemane, and finally on the cross when He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

• Lesson: Jesus’ willingness to stand alone secured salvation for humanity. He exemplifies ultimate obedience to the Father, even unto death.

• Key Verse: Isaiah 53:3 (KJV): “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”

10. Stephen

• Scripture Reference: Acts 6:8-7:60

• Situation: Stephen stood alone as he boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus to the Sanhedrin. His witness led to martyrdom, yet he saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

• Lesson: God empowers His people to remain faithful, even in the face of death.

• Key Verse: Acts 7:55 (KJV): “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.”

Application:

There will be times when we feel abandoned, even by those we expect to stand with us. In those moments, we must release bitterness and extend forgiveness, trusting God as our defender.

2. The Lord’s Presence in Trials (v. 17)

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

When everyone else failed, the Lord stood with Paul. Let’s examine this divine assurance:

• The Presence of the Lord:

God’s promise to never leave nor forsake His people is seen throughout Scripture.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV): “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

In the courtroom of Rome, Paul was not truly alone because God was with him.

• The Strength of the Lord:

The Lord did not merely stand by Paul; He also empowered him. Strength came not for personal gain but for the purpose of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.”

• The Deliverance of the Lord:

Paul uses the metaphor of being delivered “out of the mouth of the lion,” a possible reference to extreme danger, persecution, or even Satan’s attacks. God preserved Paul so His mission could be fulfilled.

Application:

God’s presence and power are sufficient in every trial. When you feel weak, He will strengthen you. When the enemy closes in, He will deliver you.

3. Confidence in God’s Future Deliverance (v. 18)

“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Paul shifts his focus from present deliverance to eternal assurance:

• Deliverance from Evil:

Paul is confident that God will continue to deliver him, not necessarily from physical danger but from anything that might compromise his faith or witness.

Matthew 6:13 (KJV): “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

• Preservation for the Kingdom:

Paul’s ultimate hope is not in earthly rescue but in God preserving him for His heavenly kingdom. His faith is anchored in eternity, knowing that death is not the end but a transition to glory.

Philippians 1:21 (KJV): “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

• Glory to God Forever:

Even in facing death, Paul’s heart erupts in worship. He acknowledges that all glory belongs to God, both now and forever.

Application:

Like Paul, we must place our confidence in God’s eternal plan. Whether we are delivered in this life or preserved through suffering, our ultimate hope is in His kingdom.

Conclusion

Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:16-18 teach us three powerful truths:

1. People may fail us, but God never will.

2. The Lord’s presence strengthens and sustains us in every trial.

3. Our ultimate deliverance and hope are in God’s heavenly kingdom.

As we face our own seasons of loneliness or adversity, let us echo Paul’s confidence:

“The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.”

Closing Scripture

Isaiah 43:2 KJV 1900

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Let us rest in the truth that God is faithful, and He will stand with us, strengthen us, and preserve us for His eternal kingdom.