Delivered
2020 came in like a lion. From the up rise of crime to the threat of deportations, to pestilence humanity suffered heavily. And, while many suffered many loses, they came out as if they have been delivered from a devouring lion. This year many people lost love ones, possessions, pride, courage, mental stability among the many other losses. But, through this rough year God was ever closer. In fact, many non praying believers prayed, read their bibles, fasted and watched services online as if the idea that end of times was creeping up on us. God throughout the times has been known to be a deliverer even to the unbelievers. David called God his fortress and deliverer (2Sam22:2-3). In times of trouble like these God came to the rescue, especially when the enemy struck us with might, He turned it to work in favor to his purpose (Ro8:28). Deliverance belongs to the Lord (Pro21:31), and each time and in times like these He does what he does.
2 Timothy 4:17-18
17 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.18 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.
The Apostle found himself all alone, everyone that was supposed to be his help had left. Some betrayed Paul and became enemies of the gospel, and others that left left to work the gospel somewhere else. And, because Paul had a physical condition; a thorn on his side, he was weaken by the departure of his friends. This was a trying moment for Paul to see if his trust was on his friends and the people whom he loved or was it on the Lord; But God strengthen him. Like Daniel, Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lions. Daniel’s lions were those furious animals whom were purposely starved in order to have them devour whomever was cast into the lion’s den. An attack on prayer arose in Daniel’s day which stated that who ever prayed to anyone except to the king would be cast into the lion’s den. Yet, God shut the mouths of the lions and delivered Daniel, because he trusted him (Dan6:22-23). When it comes to the things we do that draw us closer to God a constant battle is always on that horizon. Each time the battle becomes more fierce; like this covid19 that kept many churches closed, but God worked it for a good. John said that the kingdom of God suffers violence (Mt11:12), but the violent take it by force.
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shielda] and the hornb] of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent people you save me.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
But deliverance is of the LORD.
22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.