Abandoned

2 Timothy 4:16–18 (NLT)

"The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen."

"Abandonment Issues: What Do We Do? How Do We Respond?"

Introduction – The Reality of Being Left Alone

Abandonment stings. Whether it’s betrayal by a friend, neglect from family, or support that vanishes when you need it most—it cuts deep. Paul faced this exact moment in 2 Timothy 4:16–18. Left alone during trial, deserted by everyone, yet he didn’t collapse into bitterness. Instead, he gave us a masterclass in spiritual resilience.

• Verse 16 – "No one came with me… everyone abandoned me."Paul admits a painful truth. Even great leaders feel forsaken. His honesty is a comfort: it's okay to acknowledge the pain.

• *"May it not be counted against them."Here, Paul mirrors Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness, not retaliation, is the first response to abandonment.

• Verse 17 – "But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength..."Earthly support may fail, but God never abandons. His presence is sustaining, empowering, and purposeful.

• *"...so that I might preach..."Even in abandonment, there's a mission. Your pain might be the pulpit from which others hear hope.

• Verse 18 – "The Lord will deliver me..."Paul declares deliverance not just from danger but into destiny—“safely into his heavenly Kingdom.” Abandonment is never the end when God's hand is guiding the story.

1. Acknowledge the Pain – It’s not unspiritual to feel hurt when people leave. Let yourself grieve, but don’t get stuck there.

2. Release the Offense – Like Paul, ask God to forgive those who walked away. Bitterness builds walls; forgiveness sets you free.

3. Recognize God’s Presence – When all others fall away, lean into the One who stays. The Lord is your steady rock.

4. Stay on Mission – Don’t let the silence of others drown out your calling. You still have a Word to deliver, a life to live, and a Kingdom to serve.

5. Expect Deliverance – Trust that God is working even when you feel abandoned. He will bring you through—and forward.

A tree, abandoned in the wilderness, grows deeper roots than one in a greenhouse. It may be alone, but it’s not unloved. Likewise, our spiritual roots deepen in solitude—anchored by God's presence.

Father God, when others walk away, help us not to wither in bitterness. Let us find comfort in knowing You stand with us. Strengthen us, like You did Paul, to keep proclaiming hope even from lonely places. We forgive those who left, and we surrender our wounds to Your healing hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you've ever felt abandoned by people, know this: Jesus will never leave you. He’s calling you into a relationship where you're never alone. Come to Him—He’s been waiting for you. Join us at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries where you’ll find both divine and earthly community.

LoveUmorethanUknow Pastor Stephän Kirby