Stand By Me So Gentiles Might Hear

[S] 2 Timothy 4:17 --
 ¹⁷But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.

[O] After mentioning how many people have left him and God's ways as well as those who harmed him, he warns Timothy to watch out for these dangerous people.  He then goes on to say how Jesus stood with him and strengthened him despite all the hardships both mentally and physically.  Trying to think through what Paul must've gone through and yet still testify this encourages and strengthens me a lot especially going through the phase of struggling through various challenges in life both at home and at church ministry because it is the Lord who is going to stand by and with me.  Paul continues with the purpose of God's desire for strengthening him which is so all the Gentiles might hear the great message of His saving grace.  It is not so I may be listed in the Hall of Faith, but so I may bring more people into His fold.

[A] The phases go like this: 1) get bombarded with lots of stuff; 2) get wearied physically and mentally; 3) get lonely as if there is no one who cares enough to collaborate; 4) God reminds me that He will stand by me so be strong; 5) get encouraged and begin to see things in God's perspective; 6) then realize God's ultimate purpose for strengthening me is so I may share His love with "Gentiles"; 7) energized to engaged into His ministry.

I think I'm around phase 3 to 4.  I need to revitalize my purpose in the way of sharing His message with others.  I need to defocus from the snares of various factors in life (but deal with them wisely).

[P] Dear Father, You know where I am more than I know myself.  Please hear my cries and send Your Spirit to minister to me in order my bearings in life will be clarified and refocused to strongly carry out my purpose You intended for me.  I pray for my children so they, too, will be protected by Your angels and for them to continue seeking Your ways in humility.  In Jesus' name.   Amen.