Letters Written on Our Hearts

Wounded Hearts...Hidden Wounds

When was the last time someone tried to harm you in some way? Maybe it was a verbal or an emotional attack, or an effort to discredit and discourage you from something you knew God had called you to do. I know that when that has happened to me, I often feel blind sighted and unprepared for the “ambush”, as my Nam vet hub would describe it. The pain is real!

Paul (an evangelist in the Bible), can certainly relate. He was laser focused on a divine mission to preach the Word of God and fulfill the ministry to which he had been called. It was close to the end of his time on earth. He had “fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 NASB). His heartfelt desire was to be awarded the crown of righteousness the Lord had set aside for him in heaven. (2 Timothy 4:8)

During this time, many of Paul’s friends and ministry partners were nowhere to be found. He speaks of Alexander who had done him “much harm” (2 Timothy 4:14). Paul’s response? “The Lord will repay him according to his deeds” (vs. 14). Paul also said, “at my first defense, no one supported me, but all deserted me” (2 Timothy 4:16). Wow, a human response, a fleshly one, (my likely response) would have been to fight back, defend himself or strike back in anger. But Paul said, “may it not be counted against them” (vs. 16). Wow! Not only did Paul not defend himself, but instead, he defended the ones who had left him alone. Sounds like supernatural, divine love to me.

I think that Paul had learned through the years an important lesson. It was not his job to look horizontally at the attacks around him. It was not his job to protect his heart. It was his job to look vertically at God himself. The One who offers grace even when others fall short. God is in the business of healing hearts.

The cool thing is that God didn’t leave Paul alone in his pain. He joined Him in it and He will do the same for you and I.

The Lord... 

*Stood with him so that Paul could remain focused and proclaim “mission fully accomplished” (proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles)
*Gave him strength.
*Rescued him from the “lion’s mouth” (evil attack of the enemy through Alexander). Paul knew who his real enemy was. The one who roams about like a lion, seeking whom he may destroy! (I Peter 5:8)

Paul...

*Knew God would bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom.
*Responded with grace to those who deserted him.
*Resisted the urge to isolate and withdraw and kept reaching out to his Christian brothers and sisters despite having been hurt by some.
*Offered a blessing that said, “The Lord be with your spirit”. Paul knew firsthand that people’s souls and spirts need to be healed, and He knew the Lord could be depended on to bless them by doing just that.

A Prayer

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to Paul to strengthen and help him to fulfill the ministry You had called him to. In the same way, we ask that You be with all of us who are seeking to do the same. When I am hurt, may I respond with Your grace and Your love. As I have received forgiveness and a blessing from You, may I also forgive and bless others. And may You Lord, receive the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen