2 Timothy 4: 16 – 17 “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me.”
Strengthen – To cause another to be able.
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Jesus, I remember Your story. The Spirit drove You into the wilderness for forty days, after Your baptism, to be alone. You were tested and none were there to stand with You. You had the Word in Your mouth and the strength of Your Father in prayer. That was all and that was enough. He made You able to defeat Satan in some vulnerable moments.
Your way was often solitary as You withdrew to lonely places to pray. (Luke 5:16) I am Your disciple and sometimes, though surrounded by people, I am in a solitary place too. Your disciples slept while You agonized in prayer. I am also often alone at night; kept awake by things which need prayer. I’ve thrown myself on Your mercy to give me strength where I had none.
Today, in my lonely place, stay with me. Where I faint, give me wings like the eagle. (Is. 40:31) Where I am frozen in place, melt my reservations. Where I am wordless, make me fluent. Where I an unable, make me able. Strengthen me, Lord, and have mercy on me. I am not forgotten. You have not withdrawn to sleep like Your disciples did. You are a Savior who never sleeps nor loses His vigilance.
As I awake, You are aware of my needs. Pour supernatural strength into this child. Amen