But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.
2 Timothy 4:17
A few years before he died, the Free Will Baptist evangelist John Colby was feeling the effects of poor health. He didn't want to end his ministry, but he was sometimes too tired to continue. On Thursday, February 25, 1813, he wrote in his journal: "I preached at Esquire Green's. The house was much crowded, and I was under the necessity of speaking louder than usual, in order that the people might hear in the different apartments. The Lord strengthened me far beyond my expectations, and as a dying man, I spake to dying creatures. Many of the dear youth wept and mourned, and I humbly trust, that day will not be soon forgotten. When I closed the meeting, I felt as though I had come about to the close of life. I retired to my chamber, and lay down where I continued till the next day."
Recommended Reading:
2 Timothy 4:9-18
The next day, he got up and kept going.
We often become tired in the service of the Lord, but not of the service of the Lord. The apostle Paul, also near death, spoke of how the Lord stood with him and strengthened him. Our Lord will do the same with us. Let's get up and keep going—in His strength!
God's strength can only work in weakness.
