“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Paul was having a rough go of it. He was alone, imprisoned, and abandoned by many of his friends. In Asia, he says, “all” turned away from him, including two people we know nothing about—Phygelus and Hermogenes—though they must have been important enough for Paul to mention them. One person did not abandon him, however. A man named Onesiphorus, upon his arrival in Rome, found Paul and supported him while in prison, probably providing food and other necessities.
The world may turn against you but there is one who will not. The one is God. God the Father will continue to provide for you. God the Son’s redemption is there for you. God the Holy Spirit continues to lead, comfort, teach, guide, sanctify, and strengthen faith.
No matter the “chains” you might be in, God is there with you. He will sustain you, and at length when the life in this world closes, He will welcome you home.
Prayer: Almighty and gracious God, you are faithful and long-suffering, full of mercy and lovingkindness. You are with me always and in this, I have my joy and my hope. I give you thanks in Jesus’ name. Amen.