06/04/2026
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me... I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.” — 2 Timothy 4:17 (LSB)
Paul’s final words are not a testimony to his own strength, but to God’s preserving grace.
Abandoned by many, facing opposition, and nearing the end of his life, Paul could still say, “the Lord stood with me.” His confidence was not in favorable circumstances, but in the God who had sustained him through every trial.
When Paul speaks of being rescued from the lion’s mouth, he is not celebrating an easy escape from suffering. He is celebrating the faithfulness of God in the midst of it. The Lord would not allow his faith to be devoured.
And that same confidence belongs to every believer. God does not promise a life free from hardship, but He does promise His presence. He preserves His people, strengthens them in trial, and holds them securely to the end.
Perseverance is not ultimately a testimony to our grip on Christ, but to His grip on us.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” — 2 Timothy 4:18 (LSB)
When suffering, opposition, or spiritual discouragement comes, remember that God's preserving grace is often seen most clearly not in being spared from the trial, but in being sustained through it.