Courage in the Lonely Hour

2 Timothy 4:6-18

Today’s passage is about a painful time in Paul’s life. He sat in a prison cell, knowing that death was coming. After devoting his last years to teaching others and sharing Christ, he now was alone during his trial and imprisonment. Loneliness must have felt overwhelming. But he met the suffering with courage. What gave him the strength to endure?

For the apostle, Christ’s presence offered comfort and motivated him to persevere. He knew God was right there with him in the current moment, and he could also look back on previous situations when the Lord had clearly intervened. Years earlier, for instance, Paul had seen a vision telling him not to fear during a storm at sea. And though the ship ran aground, all of the men survived (Acts 27:14-44).  

For those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior, strength is readily available in His presence. Our heavenly Father promises that He will never abandon His children—even when everyone else has walked away.

If your circumstances leave you feeling lonely, call to mind times when God was evident to you and unmistakably revealed His hand in your life. Then read His Word so the truth of His presence can comfort and encourage you. As a believer, you are truly never alone.

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