Never alone

There will come a time, and a time again, when you will have to go through it alone. There are some experiences that we go through in life were we are left alone. Even when someone is physically present you can still be alone. Abandonment, loneliness, being forsaken, living in isolation, these are all very much apart of the human experience and if you keep living long enough you will find yourself alone. And let me be the first to tell you, being alone is a terrible feeling. But, the good news is if you are in Christ Jesus and Jesus is in you, even when others desert you the Lord will never leave you. Even when there is no one in the room with you God is with you. Even when you are in your cell by yourself God is present. Even when you lay in your sick bed God is there. Even when you are sitting in your car in the parking lot trying to work up the strength to go into that job God is riding with you. Even when you... (go as long as necessary) And if you have ever been alone you are in good company. You are not the only one who has had to walk alone from time-to-time. Hagar was alone when she had to almost watch her child die. Jacob was alone when he wrestled with God. Joseph tossed into a pit alone, sold alone into slavery, then put in prison for a crime he didn’t commit alone. Hannah was alone when her husband his other wife mistreated her. Sampson was alone when he pushed over the pillars. Jonah was alone in the belly of the fish. Elijah was alone when Jezebel was after his head. Jeremiah was alone preaching. Mary was alone in the experience of an immaculate conception. John the Baptist was alone in the desert. and If you needed one more let me remind you Jesus was alone on the cross when he said “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But even then (run back with “God was with them when...”)

Then in January 27, 1957 at 309 South Jackson Street, in Montgomery, Alabama a 27 year old Martin Luther King Jr. found himself alone in his kitchen. (tell the story) “Preach the Gospel, Stand up for Righteousness, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever.”

In this final letter attributed to Paul we get the look and feel of Paul’s final moments and they are dire.

Prop you Up (v.17a)

Stood by my side

Gave me Strength

Purpose (v. 17b)

the message might be full proclaimed)

Preserved (v.I7c-18a)

I was rescued from the lion’s mouth

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom

Praise (v.18b)

To him be glory for ever and ever.

Glory in spite of all I’ve been through....

Glory…even in.