Realization

Scriptures: “Only Luke is with me...When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments…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.” (II Timothy 4:11-17)

A missionary to Tibet was captured by the communist government and was put in prison for years. During that period of time, they confiscated his bible and did not allow him to have any contact with outside world. He was put in a tiny cell, cold, dark, humid, and lonely.

After he was released, people asked him how he managed to go through that period of suffering. He said the only way he could retain his sanity was by memorizing bible verses. The word of God not only comforted him, but also gave him strength to move on to face each day, whatever it brought him.

We may not have gone through extreme situations or tribulations like this missionary. But, for each of us, we have our share of troubles and challenges, too. Likewise, toward the end of his life, having “fought the good fight…finished the race, and kept the good faith…” (II Timothy 4:6), Paul realized a few things in the middle of the persecution he was facing:
1. The Lord was still at his side and continuously giving him strength to triumph over the tribulations he faced.
2. The Lord blessed him more than he knew. In persecution, when most other people had left him, The Lord was with him and blessed him with a faithful companion, Dr. Luke.
3. At his age then, given his physical condition and environment, the cloak was important to him. But, Paul considered the scrolls, especially the parchments, were much more important to him.

Humanly speaking, we are so ignorant and vulnerable. We know very little about what’s going to happen to us in the future, near or far; we learn very little from our own experiences and human history either. James said, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) No wonder many people, when old, come to the conclusion that the only thing certain about life is its uncertainty.

But, as Christians, we know that, in the midst of the troubling and uncertainty, our Lord is always there with us and for us. Just like Paul’s realization, we can take comfort in the fact that, because of Him, we are never alone and, with Him, we are never in want. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Requests:
Those aging brothers and sisters struggling with loneliness

Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for giving us Your Spirit, our Comforter, to abide in and strengthen us. Help us to become that faithful companion You prepare for those in needs to bring them Your comfort and encouragements. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!