2 Timothy 4:9-18

Verse: 2 Timothy 4:9-18(NIV)
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Title: When we are in solitude

Message: Solitude usually brings loneliness, a kind of situation that may bring discouragement to a person especially when he's in trouble. Paul was deserted for various reasons at the time that he was in need of support. However, he didn't use the situation as an excuse to waste time thinking about his condition and longing for his friends' company. Instead, he utilized the time to accomplish his ministry, that is proclaiming God's message.

Promise to Claim: God stays with us. He stands at our side and will always gives us strength to carry on. The people we love might desert us for unthinkable reasons but God never will. He will rescue us from every danger and will bring us safely to his heavenly kingdom.

Command to Obey: No matter how lonely and hard life may be, let us not forget our duties as Christians. Let us remain steadfast in our faith and be a messenger of God's word.

Warning to Heed: Desertion is inevitable and no one can prevent that. Our loved ones will leave us and may not demonstrate support at the time that we are struggling to survive a difficult situation. Thus, our need to guard ourselves against temptations.

Application: I will never let loneliness overcome me. I will use solitude to communicate with God and write about my experiences that manifest His wonders for others to know how great my God is.