2 Timothy 4:16-18
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Not only could Paul admonish Timothy to be faithful, but he could assure him that God is faithful.  Through everything he had experienced, everywhere he went, in every situation, God’s presence was constant and His faithfulness apparent.  God supplied all of Paul’s needs.  He never left him or forsook him.  He gave him grace and wisdom and direction all along the way.  He gave him opportunities to serve and be used.  He enabled everything that Paul did, and He never let him down.

Paul truly lived in that abiding relationship with Christ that he preached about so passionately.  The Lord had kept every promise, and Paul had been witness to that, and so he knew all of God’s other promises would be fulfilled, as well.  God had a home prepared for him, and soon he would get to see it for himself.  He was able to face his end like he’d lived his life—knowing with absolute certainty that everything God said was true.

Understanding that God is faithful and how He is faithful is what will allow us to live faithful lives.  Paul had been willing to stand alone because he knew God was with him and that that was sufficient.  He had been willing to go forth and minister and endure what was required because he knew God would supply what he needed.  He faced trials and troubles with grace because he trusted God’s deliverance and provision.  And he faced his end with anticipation because he knew he had a place in God’s kingdom.

God will never let us down.  He will never leave us to stand alone.  He will not abandon us to some fate that leaves us far from Him.  But He is always near to us.  He is faithful and true to His Word.  He is truly sufficient for us.  We can trust Him always.  So may we learn to rely on God for everything.  May our faith grow as we follow Him and experience His trustworthiness for ourselves.  And may we stand, like Paul, with no doubts in our strong and faithful God.