But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. 2 Timothy 4:17
Companions,
Sometimes as we read the bible, we notice major points that we had just never thought about before, or a small phrase might just grab our attention. The latter is what happened to me this week. From the Psalms we learn that our help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. In today’s verse we read that the LORD stands at our side and gives us strength, which is comforting, but then the next phrase – SO THAT – hits us. We are not given strength just to be strong or to feel good, but we need strength for a purpose. The Lord has a plan for our lives, and He puts us in circumstances and situations that we may not like but are preparing us ‘so that’ we will be ready for our task ahead. We may never be like Paul in knowing so clearly what our duty is, but we can be confidant we are being prepared ‘so that’… (whatever it may be). Seasons in our life are not all difficult but are full of times and emotions teaching us about love and compassion and friendship and helping others; ‘so that’ we are ready to rejoice in life, friends and loved ones, and to glorify and enjoy God forever.
Thank you, Lord God, for standing by our side and giving us comfort and strength and wisdom; so that we may be ready, willing and able to do the tasks you have appointed us. Amen.
Jack A. Holloway
I. Associate Grand Chaplain