Don’t Give Up – God Is with You

Feb 22– Feb 28

Needing Others

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/27/21

At the end of 2 Timothy, we find Paul’s last written words. He probably wrote them just days before his execution. Yet, not once in the letter do we find bitterness or regret about his life. Instead, he declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

This doesn’t mean that Paul didn’t experience sadness during his last days. One matter on Paul’s heart was the solitude of his imprisonment. Miles away from most of his friends, Paul was in need of encouragement.

Twice in this final passage, he asks Timothy to visit him: “Do your best to come to me quickly, . . . Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:9, 11). Then, in Paul’s last few sentences, he says again, “Do your best to get here before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21).

Paul was open enough to admit his need for support. All of us need fellowship and companionship with other believers, but sometimes we let pride get in the way. We don’t want to admit that we need other people. We don’t want to admit that we’re not strong enough to handle it all on our own. We may think it is unspiritual or a weakness to admit feeling alone.

Yet, Scripture tells us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We need other Christians not only for fellowship but also for spiritual support as we work together for God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Father, I realize that at times I allow my pride to keep me from reaching out to other believers for the encouragement that I need. Help me to be willing to admit my need for support. Lord, bring into my life close godly friends for our mutual edification and strength as we run the race you have set for us. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).