Paul’s fight with loneliness was:

^{2 Tim. 4:6}“For I’m already being poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure. I’ve fought the good fight, I’ve finished the race, I’ve kept the faith.”

^{2 Tim. 4:6}“You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. ⁷This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way.” (The Message)

^{2 Tim. 4:9}“Do your best to come to me quickly, 10for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.”

^{2 Tim. 4:14}“Alexander, the metal worker, did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. ¹⁵You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.”

^{2 Tim. 4:16}“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.

How can I overcome loneliness?

Maintain an

perspective.

^{2 Tim. 4:7}“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Use the

for

Reveal Answer

.

^{2 Tim. 4:14}“Alexander, the metal worker, did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. ¹⁵You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.”

When I am lonely, ask these questions:
1. What can I learn from this experience?
2. Can I share what I have learned with someone else?
3. Can God use this experience to create ministry opportunities for me?
4. Can I prevent others from facing this same challenge?

my offenders.

^{2 Tim. 4:16}“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.”

Recognize

Reveal Answer

.

^{2 Tim. 4:17}“The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…”

Reveal Answer

.

^{2 Tim. 4:17}“…so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”

Decision: When I am lonely, stop building

and start building

Reveal Answer

.

^{2 Tim. 4:18}“The Lord will rescue you from every evil attack and will bring you safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”