Elect Lady's Corner

One of the greatest heartaches in a vibrant ministry is not always persecution from the world but it is the painful disappointment of being forsaken by people you loved, trusted, invested in, and depended upon. There are few wounds deeper than watching faithful laborers, trusted companions, and committed supporters quietly disappear during the very season they are needed most. It is easy to stand with a ministry during celebration, but true character is revealed when someone chooses to stand during suffering and hard times.

The expression "to leave someone in the lurch" means to abandon, desert, or forsake a person at a critical, difficult, or vulnerable moment when they desperately need help.  Sadly, this is exactly what the Apostle Paul experienced. Paul was not imprisoned because he had committed a crime, but he was imprisoned because of his unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His chains were not the result of wrong-doing but of righteousness. Yet during one of the darkest seasons of his ministry, many whom he believed would remain faithful walked away.

With heartfelt sincerity, Paul wrote to his spiritual son Timothy: "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world..." (2 Timothy 4:9-10) How heartbreaking! Demas had once labored beside Paul, witnessed miracles, heard powerful revelations, and shared in advancing the Kingdom. Yet when the cost of discipleship became too great, he chose the temporary pleasures of this present world over eternal purpose.

Paul felt very alone and asked Timothy to come quickly because even his fellow laborers Crescents had then left to go to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Paul also mentioned Alexander the coppersmith, who did him much evil, warning Timothy to beware of him because he had greatly opposed the Gospel (2 Timothy 4:14-15). Then Paul revealed another painful truth: "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me..." (2 Timothy 4:16). Imagine standing before your accusers, looking around for familiar faces, only to discover that no one had come to support you; no encouraging voice; no loyal companion; and no trusted friend.

The loneliness must have been overwhelming. Yet Paul's story did not end with abandonment. Instead of becoming bitter, discouraged, or quitting the ministry, Paul lifted his eyes above people and fixed them upon God. What may have been the greatest declaration of his final years was not, "Everyone left me” but it was this: "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me..." (2 Timothy 4:17). What an incredible testimony! But God! When people walked away, but  God stood with him. When friends abandoned him, but God remained faithful. When supporters disappeared, but God strengthened him.

Paul understood one of life's greatest spiritual lessons: people may leave, but the Lord always cleaves. God's presence is not determined by who walks away from us but by His covenant to never leave nor forsaken us. Then Paul confidently declared: "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18). In essence, Paul was saying: "I'm moving on!" "I'm not allowing disappointment to imprison my spirit. I'm not allowing betrayal to stop my assignment. I'm not allowing rejection to destroy my purpose.

I'm moving on, because God's calling is greater than people's instabilities or change of heart." Even our Lord Jesus Christ experienced the painful reality of being left alone. Many who once followed Him turned back and walked no more with Him (St John 6:66). Judas betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. Peter denied Him three times. The other disciples fled in fear when He was arrested. As He carried the cross to Calvary, many who had shouted "Hosanna" days earlier were nowhere to be found.

Yet Jesus never abandoned His divine assignment. He kept moving on toward the Cross. He kept moving on toward redemption. He kept moving on toward the Father's will. He kept moving on because the salvation of humanity was greater than the disappointment caused by those who abandoned Him. If Jesus had stopped because of betrayal, we would have no salvation.If Paul had stopped because of abandonment, much of the New Testament would never have been written.

What if Joseph had stopped because of his brothers? What if David had stopped because of Saul? What if Nehemiah had stopped because of opposition? What if Esther had stopped because of fear? What if Moses had stopped because of such an insurmountable task? If any of these men or women of God would have stopped or been too discouraged to fulfill their divine task, not only Biblical history but our lives would be drastically different. The Kingdom of God has always advanced through men and women who refused to allow disappointment to become their destination.

So, I encourage Pastors and God-fearing leaders don’t be discouraged by what it looks like or feels like. Even if someone has left you in the lurch (i.e. abandoned, deserted, or forsaken you at a critical, difficult time when you need their support). You feel like you have been forgotten after years of faithful service. Those you have prayed for, sacrificed for, encouraged, mentored, and believed in, have walked away without explanation. If so, I adjure you, don’t allow another person's departure to cancel God's purpose for your life.

Your calling was never dependent upon human approval. Your assignment was never sustained by human loyalty. Your future is not determined by who walked away, but by the God who has promised to stand with you. The same God Who strengthened Paul is the same Lord who strengthens His people today. He is still empowering weary leaders, encouraging faithful servants, healing broken hearts, restoring confidence, and opening new doors for those who refuse to quit. Sometimes moving on is not walking away from people, it is walking deeper into God's purpose.

There are seasons when God lovingly says, "Release them and follow Me." Do not camp around yesterday's disappointments. Do not build a monument to betrayal. Don’t allow bitterness to replace your anointing. Keep preaching. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep believing and when people walk away remember, God draws nearer.  So, don't let someone else's departure become your defeat. Keep moving on! Because when people leave you in the lurch... God steps into the gap in due season (i.e. the right time!).