When Others Fail Us - Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-18

I. Introduction: Friendship brings us some of the greatest joys in life—but also can cause immense pain. If you haven’t experienced rejection or betrayal yet, you probably will someday. The apostle Paul learned to forgive others for their failures and reconcile with them when appropriate. Let’s discover how he dealt with betrayal and abandonment by trusted friends.

II. Friends Sometimes Fail Us
A. Despite Paul’s faithfulness to the Lord, his friends failed him. They weren’t reliable when he desperately needed them (2 Tim. 1:15; 4:14-16).
B. What are some reasons why friends might desert you in times of trouble? They . . .
1. Feel inadequate and/or unsure of how to help.
2. Don’t want to be identified with you in a conflict, for fear they could end up on the losing side.
3. Are jealous and hope to see you fail.
4. Selfishly don’t want to sacrifice their time to support you.
5. Judge you and thus excuse themselves from the responsibility to help you.

III. Forgiveness Must Prevail
A. Paul responded to betrayal and abandonment with forgiveness: “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them” (2 Tim. 4:16, emphasis added). Both Jesus and Stephen said something similar in the final moments of their lives (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60).
B. Paul practiced what he preached—the importance of forgiving. Don’t be a fair-weather friend, interested only in what you can get from another person. Be willing to help even those who mistreated you in the past. Waiting for a chance to get them back—to let them down as they did to you—indicates that you have an unforgiving spirit.

IV. The Presence of the Lord Sustains Us
A. Paul was able to forgive because he knew that God would never leave him: “The Lord stood with me” (2 Tim. 4:17). Although Paul’s friends all left, he knew that the Lord Himself was with him. Christ promises all believers, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
B. The apostle was able to forgive because he trusted God to empower him: “The Lord . . . strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear” (2 Tim. 4:17). Paul could rely on the presence of God to accomplish his calling—taking the gospel to the world (Phil. 2:13). Chances are, people will persecute you, and some of your friends will abandon you in tough times. But God has promised that all adversity will eventually come to an end (1 Peter 5:10).
C. He was able to forgive because he was confident that God would deliver him: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:18). The Father may deliver us from hardship or through it (Isaiah 43:1-4). He also rescues us by bringing us home to be with Him. God delivered Paul by allowing Nero to execute him. Four years later, the ruler committed suicide. No one can violate the principles of God and avoid His judgment.

V. Conclusion: What kind of friend are you? Are you dedicated to those you love? Or do you often disappoint them? Perhaps you are faithful, but your friends consistently fail you when trouble comes. I urge you not to hold it against them. Hurt and rejection are painful but unavoidable parts of life. Healing is always available if you are willing to forgive. And you and I can take comfort in knowing that the most faithful Friend—the Lord Jesus—never leaves our side, even if everyone else deserts us

Found a TREASURE!!!

There was a Pastors Conference out in Tuscon Arizona this past Mon-Wed. Some of my favorite pulpit boyfriends were there teaching. I was so thrilled to see that i can watch and or listen to them all online. SO I HAVE!!!!! WOW there really isn't enough adjectives to describe what a powerful life changing tool these are. The 2 that have impacted me the most so far are James McDonald and Damien Kyle. I hope you check them out.

http://www.calvarytucson.com/listen.asp?id=21

always remember
Keep chasing righteousness!!!

do we really chose Him

to say YES means we say YES to HIS WAYS and trust HIS WAYS. Even when it's messy and goes against everything that makes sense in our heads.
What if He takes things away that we hold close?
What if He needs us to leave?
What if He needs us to stay put and love with humility?
What if He needs us to suffer great pain?
What if He needs us to give up our place of comfort?
What if He needs us to lose our Home?
What if he needs us to lose our jobs?
What if through all of it He promises to pour His peace, strength, and love on use daily.
DO WE STILL CHOSE HIM?

Just Missin Her

Don't be mad
If I cry
It just hurts so bad, sometimes
'Cause everyday it's sinking in
And I have to say goodbye all over again

You know I bet it feels good to have the weight of this world off your shoulders now
I'm dreaming of the day when I'm finally there with you

(Chorus)
Save a place for me
Save a place for me
I'll be there soon
I'll be there soon
Save a place for me
Save some grace for me
I'll be there soon
I'll be there soon

I have asked the questions why
But I guess the answers for another time
So instead I pray, with every tear
And be thankful for the time I had you here

(Chorus)

I wanna live my life Just like you did
Make the most of my time Just like you did
And I want to make my home up in the sky Just like you did
Oh, but until I get there...
Until I get there...

(Chorus)