Can we find strength in God when others harm and abandon us doing God’s work?
2 Timothy 4:17
St. Paul speaks about being abandoned by his companions. In trying to proclaim the Good News those around him deserted him. He speaks about people opposing him to the point of harming him. But amongst the loneliness and pain St. Paul proclaims that God stood by him. From God St. Paul received strength to continue on.
We may have the same experience when we try to do God’s work. We may find ourselves abandoned by our peers. Left to not only do the work ourselves but even facing the struggles all on our own. If this is our situation, may we follow in St. Paul’s example and find peace in God. That ideally we would enjoy the community of God to walk with us, but even if we do not, all we need is God by our side.
With God we have the strength to endure, persevere and accomplish God’s work. God needs to remain central in our work so that we may not be exhausted. Or famished. Or alone. With God we will have company, peace, and care. God is all we need to sustain us in life.
Let us begin or continue God’s mission for us. Let us join together with other members of God’s family to accomplish God’s work. But let us find solace that if we should feel left alone in doing God’s work, we will always have God at our side. Let us tap into God’s immense love and care to carry us forward. Always loyal servants of God and God’s mission.
Related Reflections
Worthy for Ministry • 1 Timothy 1:12
Can we be like St. Paul and accept God’s call to a particular ministry?
Boasting of God • 2 Corinthians 11:30
How have we humbled ourselves today to show others of our love for Jesus?
