Those Who Have Let Us Down

Those Who Have Let Us Down
Words of Faith 8-16-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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2 Timothy 4
[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 forever and ever. Amen.

In this time of farewell, Paul could not help but recall one of the most difficult times he had faced. There had apparently been a preliminary hearing for Paul leading to his present trial and possible execution. It was common for advocates to come forward at such a hearing, but no one had come. No one had supported him. All had deserted him.
We can only imagine what it would be like to walk into a courtroom expecting there to be many supporters and advocates to give character witnesses, only to find the courtroom empty of any such help. All alone.
But Paul forgave this. May it not be held against them. And he immediately raised the fact that he was never alone in this time of trial. "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. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
What could have been a devastating defeat became a point of powerful testimony. When faced with having only Christ as his character witness, Paul had been delivered to give witness another day.
There can be those who let us down. It may be because of fear, but it can be because of busyness or neglect. There are times when good intentions are lost, especially when a fellow believer is out of sight. Incarceration does that. It separated people from the support systems they once depended on.
The bigger message here is about forgiving those who have let us down. This was different from Alexander, to had attacked the faith and done much harm. This was people who just didn't show up. We often experience that, especially in ministry. Paul teaches us by his example to forgive. To move on. Leave the matter in the hands of the Lord.
But Paul also teaches us that while people may let us down, the Lord will never let us down. The Lord will always be with us. The Lord will always be our advocate at our side so that the message of Christ might be fully proclaimed.

God teach me to let it go. When people don't show up. When friends desert. When no one gives support. Remind me that YOU are there. You are at my side. You are my advocate in all things and in all places. Give me grace to forgive those who have let me down. Give me the courage to stand with You as my advocate. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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