Defense

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them!  But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 2 Timothy 4:16-17

Defense. You need five players against five players in a basketball game. Stop any of the five from taking shots. Defend the perimeter and the bottom of the post. Block the jumpers and putting hands up on the slashers. Getting near the basket is a big No.  Five players need to form a solid fence to prevent the opposing players to score. But defense does not stop there. After defending the keyhole, they need to grab the ball and turn the tide on the other team. If a team wants to win a game, as they say, defense is the best offense.

Paul did not have the luxury of a team during a defensive play. He was all alone defending the turf. His team deserted him. His team filed leave of absences during the game. No one showed up for him to guard the post. He was  one man defensive team. Or so he thought. He got the Lord by his side. The Lord stood his ground and by Paul's game. The Lord put up a solid defense with Paul.

More than the fence they built, the Lord gave Paul the strength he needed to withstand the attack of the offense. The strength to block the ball, it's from the Lord. The strength to stop the streaking shooter, it's from the Lord. The strength to defend the quick step player, it's from the Lord. Paul just needed to be present at the defense, the Lord supplied the strength.

Further, the Lord's intention is to turn this defensive mode into an instant offense. Paul mentioned - so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. The Lord will turn the tide. He has a game plan for Paul to advance the ball to the other court. The Lord will forward the mission into an offensive siege.

If today, you feel all alone in your defense, think again. If you see no one has shown concern at your defense, think again. The Lord stands by your side. The Lord gives you all the strength you need. He is busy sketching play to turn the tide for your benefit. The Lord will allow things to happen so you can forward his mission for you. Maybe for now the ball is not on your hands, but it will be. Be ready for your offensive game.

If your life is on the defensive mode, look upon the Lord, he alone is our defense.