Verse: 2 Timothy 4:16-18
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.

Devotion
What are you facing this week? Are you looking at your calendar and thinking, it’s already full and Monday just started? Do you have a big assignment at work that is causing you stress? Are you facing the start of a new semester in school, or is there a test this week you know is going to be difficult? Are you home with a sick kid (or more than one?!!)? Or is your battle more internal? Are you facing down old demons, insecurities, self doubts, or temptations?

No matter what it is we are facing this week, I want to encourage you to circle back to these few words: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

I am so overwhelmed this week. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

I feel like I don’t measure up. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

I’m stressed about work. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

I’m afraid I’m going to fail. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

Sometimes having kids feels impossible. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

My health is a constant struggle and I feel like giving up. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

Whatever it is for you today. Can you speak these words over your life? Can you pray these words and invite the Lord to stand by your side? With him by your side, you can walk through anything. With him giving you strength, you can withstand everything. He can make you victorious even when life feels like it’s too much. He can make you stand tall, even when life is pushing you down.

So remember this today: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” Speak it. Pray it. Stand in it.

Author: Christian Dunn