Page 025 - With God You Are Never Alone
*Verses from AMP
"At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] or took my part or [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion.[And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver and draw me to Himself from every assault of evil. He will preserve and bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."---Amp: 2 Timothy 4:16-18
We may feel that within the church life that too often we are left alone. This can make us feel unloved, unwanted, or unimportant. None of these things may be true, but when one feels isolated, it is easy to become upset, bitter, critical or judgmental. The Lord only knows how much blame there could be. Undoubtedly, as believers, we are short in many ways, and negligence seems to be at the top of the list.
The Apostle Paul himself while in prison and facing trial under Nero was keenly aware that the brothers displayed a lack of concern. He could have been quite negative towards the brothers when this all happened. However, he showed a spirit of meekness and did not charge anyone with anything.
Paul learned that God Himself was His best ally and friend. It may be that the Lord would have us spend more time with Him alone. This is the best way to get to know Him and for Him to enlighten us about ourselves. This is why He would take His disciples aside to Himself alone. More often than not, such a quiet time may be a blessing in disguise:
"And as soon as He was alone, those who were around Him, with the Twelve [apostles], began to ask Him about the parables. He did not tell them anything without a parable; but privately to His disciples (those who were peculiarly His own) He explained everything [fully]."---Amp: Mark 4:10, 34