Deserters and deliverance

 16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Paul experienced great opposition as he faithfully carried out the ministry God had given him. The devil stirred up trouble wherever he went and used many people to carry out his attacks. Yet Paul was delivered from these evil attacks by the grace and power of God. The mission God had given him would not terminate until it was time for Paul to receive his reward in heaven. His passion for God and desire to always be faithful to his calling set him apart from those he mentioned in this letter who had caused him trouble and deserted the faith. Following the Lord is not always an easy path as we are in a battle for the souls of men and we have an enemy that will not stop attacking. We are constantly facing opposition from the world and the devil who seeks to rob, kill and destroy not only the work of God but the messengers of the gospel. God will supply the strength we need when we face adversity, and he will bring his justice to pass at the designated time. Our reward is waiting for us when we enter heaven, and we have an eternal future to experience all that God has planned for his people.