Debbie was a good woman...
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Debbie was a good woman in the worst sense of the word. She recognized no other motive than a desire to serve God. If anyone thanked her for doing something, she would respond, "Oh, don't thank me; thank the Lord who is working through me." If someone else did something worthwhile or helpful, instead of expressing appreciation she would say, "Praise the Lord." She refused to receive thanks or give thanks to anyone except God. The words of Paul in this passage might appear to reflect this "it's only you and me, Lord" kind of faith. Paul reports that "no one came to my support, but all deserted me" (v. 16). Nonetheless, he adds, "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength," and "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack" (vv. 17, 18). It sounds as if Paul's relationship with Christ is all in all. Yet Paul can identify his own praiseworthy efforts as well. "I have fought the good fight," he sings. "I have finished the race; I have kept the faith" (v. 7). Moreover, he has already expressed his deep love and appreciation for Timothy, adding how he is grateful to God for this young man, his "beloved child" in the faith (1:2-3). Paul's love for others and honest appreciation for his own efforts were not subducted by his strong faith in God.
-- Bristow
-- Bristow
