One of the benefits of being a member of a local church is its community. Men and women of all ages and ethnicities and with dramatically diverse backgrounds meet in unity. They don’t just agree to meet at the same place on the same day of the week, they are involved meaningfully in each other’s lives. They love and care for one another. In seeking each other’s well-being they create social connections that lead to increased intimacy within the family of God.
A lack of those things can lead to loneliness and a sense of isolation. Ironically, the experience of isolation does not require solitude. Metropolitan Phoenix is home to nearly five million people, yet many suffer from an unmistakable sense of detachment. The apostle Paul, as famous and well-traveled as he was, struggled with that as well. While imprisoned he wrote in his final letter, “You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes” (1 Tim. 1:15).
In the same letter Paul longed for Timothy to visit him, saying:
Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! (2 Timothy 4:9–16)
You can sense the deeply personal pain that Paul was expressing in his letter. He notes those that “deserted” him and names those that had gone away. Specifically he calls out Alexander the coppersmith for doing him wrong and repeats that “all deserted me.”
The pain Paul felt was real, but he was not in despair. It’s true he knew his life was nearing its end and he described the reality of the abandonment of many, but he viewed it in its proper context. He knew it was not in vain. In the preceding verses he acknowledged that he was “being poured out as a drink offering.” He knew that his burden had purpose! As a result, he chose to think about what the future held for him. He wrote:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7–8)
Sadly, separation, desertion and abandonment are a reality for some of God’s children. However, that does not mean we are without hope! Here are at least two things to remember. First, James 1:12 tells us that there is a crown of life waiting for those who remain steadfast under trial and have stood the test. God sealed it with a promise!
Second, God tells you that He will be with you to the end. Remaining steadfast under trial does not mean that you are required to bear the burden alone. He will preserve you as you make your way toward the crown of life. Here are just a few verses that provide that assurance:
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The Lord uses His church as a means to minister to His children. He does not leave you to fend for yourself. You are not alone. Remember His promises regarding the crown of righteousness that waits and His assurance that He is with you every step of the way.