DAILY READING
REFLECTION
by Judy Webb
“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength... And I was delivered from the Lion’s mouth. (2 Timothy 4:17 NIV)
As we travel through life there will always be roadblocks and obstacles. Some of these barriers stop us from going forward until we deal with them. Health issues come to mind, as well as financial struggles. Trials can make us wonder where God is and cause us to ask Him to show himself. He will.
Paul’s trial at this time was his imprisonment. He felt alone, as his followers left him. He needed the necessities of life, food, and clothing. But God was with him and gave him strength. During such wearing times God is there for us as well, providing the strength we need to get through one more day. And as with Paul, God can use these desperate times to further His plans.
In Paul’s case, had he not been imprisoned, many would not have heard the Good New. This was a prime opportunity for Paul to share the Gospel. Do you find yourself in a situation that only God can fix? Do you see an opportunity for God to use you to tell someone about Him? Each trial is a chance to share our testimony. During seasons for failing health, we might wonder when God will take us home. But ask yourself, is there someone who could benefit from your story? Is there anyone who needs to hear how you have been delivered from the Lion’s mouth?
This lion is anything that causes us to cry out to be saved. (The lion is symbolic for Satan.) Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We can be encouraged by Paul’s words, “But the Lord stood at my side.” That lion does not stand a chance when we have been saved from danger by our God. Just as Paul could not have been thrown to the lions in the amphitheater because he was a Roman citizen, we cannot be destroyed by Satan because we are citizens of Heaven, we belong to Jesus.
PRAYER PRACTICE
Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness and for always being there to give us strength when needed. Keep us close and safe in your loving arms. Amen.
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