"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,"
2 Timothy 4:17
At Paul's preliminary trial in Rome, no one defended him. No one appeared in court to stand up and support him. And yet Paul was never alone. The Lord was with him and strengthened him. The word "strengthened" is from the Greek word "endunamoo". In simple terms it means "to put power in" (like a car needs gas for power) and so to make strong, vigorous, to strengthen, or to be strengthened, enabled or empowered inwardly. The idea is to cause one to be able to function or do something. It can refer to physical strengthening, but more often endunamoo refers to spiritual or moral strengthening. Paul knew by experience the truth of Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Sometimes God removes our support system so that we will totally rely on Him. This is a good thing, for it shows us God's faithfulness and unsurpassed ability to enable or empower us inwardly in impossible situations. If you are feeling alone at this moment, know that if you have confessed that the Lord is your God you are not abandoned. He is standing with you and He will strengthen you. He will not fail you. He will not forsake you.
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