Alone And Not Lonely!
"Only Luke is with me.
Get Mark and bring him with you,
for he is useful to me for ministry."
2 Timothy 4: 11
There is a critical distinction between alone and lonely.
Alone signifies a number—a single person by himself.
But lonely suggests an emotional status—sorrow at either
being alone or feeling alone. It is possible to be alone, yet
not lonely; and lonely even when not alone.
In the fourth chapter of Second Timothy we find Paul’s written
account as he faced his martyrdom for Christ. Tradition says
he
was held in Mamertine Prison in Rome where prisoners
awaited
hearing, execution or both. Paul was alone except for the faithful
Luke, and he hoped Mark would be
able to visit him.
While alone, there is no indication Paul was lonely. He knew
time on earth was short, but he knew Christ was with him and
would see him safely to his eternal reward (2
Timothy 4:17-18).
Paul’s words reveal how it is possible not to be lonely even
when alone.
When you belong to Christ, you are never alone.
Even if you feel lonely, remember that the same
Lord who strengthened Paul will strengthen you.
"Great eagles fly alone; great lions hunt alone;
great souls walk alone—alone with God."
Leonard Ravenhill
