NOTWITHSTANDING the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (II Tim 4:7)

During the trial of Apostle Paul, all men forsook him.  Such is life.  It has been said that in prosperity your friends know you, but in adversity you know your friends.  Paul said “no man stood with me, but all men forsook me” (II Tim 4:16).  However, God Almighty was there with him, and strengthened him to present a bold witness of the gospel of Christ.

Beloved, if God is there with you, it does not really matter who stands with or refuses to stand with you; “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:37).  He was there with Daniel in the den of lions.  He was there with the three Hebrew children in the fiery, burning furnace.  He was there with Paul in the shipwreck and delivered him and all his co-travellers.  If God is there with you, then all is well.

God has promised to be with His children till the end of the age (Matthew 28:28).  He has promised never to leave nor forsake us (Hebrew 13:5-6).  He has promised to deliver us from every overflowing waters and every raging fire (Isaiah 43:1-5).

I do not know what you are facing right now.  Are you preparing for an examination?  Are you facing an impending operation?  Are you facing a court case?  Are you preparing for an interview?  Are facing a critical Board meeting? Or are you about to undertake a long, perhaps, fearsome journey?  Probably you are right in the midst of a crisis or persecution and it appears you are alone.

Take heart, you are not alone.  The Most High God is with you like a mighty, terrible warrior (Jeremiah 20:11). He will defend you.  He will protect you.  He will fight for you.  He will help you.  He will be an enemy to your enemy and an adversary to your adversary.  Therefore, fear not.  Be bold.  Be strong.  For the Lord your God is with you.  He will see to it that you are not put to shame (Exodus 23:22, Joshua 1:1-9).

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).