The One Who Stayed

It is easy to stand by someone's side when things are going well. But a true friend is there also when times are dark.

The One Who Stayed

This week's devotions are written by my friend Jessica Hermann, former director of our college ministry at Great Hills Baptist Church.

- Pastor Danny

Today we will continue looking at the people Paul mentions in his final words of 2 Timothy 4 and consider what we can learn from them. After mentioning how Demas abandoned him, Paul notes that only Luke is with him: "Luke alone is with me" (2 Timothy 4:11a).

Luke, the beloved physician who wrote a substantial portion of the New Testament, is mentioned here simply as a friend. All others have left. Paul is in prison in Rome. He is suffering, yet Luke has stayed with him. As we will discuss later this week, many of Paul's coworkers have been sent all over to be a blessing in many different places. This is something to celebrate. However, 2 Timothy 4:16 tells us that many others left Paul as he was standing trial in Rome. This is tragic, even though Paul seems to forgive them, asking of the Lord that it "may not be charged against them" (2 Timothy 4:16). Luke, however, came to be with Paul in his suffering.

Paul is nearing the end of his life as he writes this, and we know from our vantage point that he will soon be martyred... and he seems to know it too. Just a few verses earlier, he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). I can't help but wonder if Luke's loyalty and companionship has helped Paul to finish well.

It is easy to stand by someone's side when things are going well. But a true friend is there also when times are dark. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Luke was often ministering alongside Paul throughout the book of Acts. In times of great fruitfulness and in times of suffering, we see a lifestyle of loyalty from Luke.

Are you a faithful friend? Are you willing to be there for a friend when they are suffering and it isn't as easy to stand by their side? Do you feel uncomfortable with a friend's suffering and slowly step away? Let us learn from Luke to stay even when all others leave and care for others in their time of need. It may cost you something; it may be uncomfortable; you may not know what to say; but stay.

If a friend is suffering and you're not sure how to help, here are a few ideas:

Just be present. Let them know and see that you are there.
Meet physical needs without being asked.
Pray for them. Better yet, pray with them, if they are open to it.
Remind them of truth from Scripture. Our words may fall short but the Word of God is powerful and speaks to all our suffering and pain.