Hello Bloodstone
God bless you this day.
To answer your question: Yes, I have had that thought at times, especially after I read the Studies, received much counseling, and then it was time for me to step into my calling. It was reminiscent of graduating from school and then having to step into the profession I was trained up for. Kind of an unsettling time -- to the point, I wanted to run back and just be the student again. But alas, my teachers were busy in their calling, teaching other students.
When reading the writings of Paul to Timothy in I Timothy and II Timothy, but we read them from the perspective of Paul is answering letters previously written by Timothy, it can serve us well.
Timothy probably felt, at times, that he was in over his head. At one point, Paul even suggests he drink a little wine to calm his stomach. Some scholars of the Bible suggest that maybe the water wasn't very good in the area Timothy was residing, and as a result he suffered lots of stomach problems. Other scholars have suggested Timothy was nervous and felt overwhelmed in his new-found position.
Physical distance kept Paul and Timothy apart from one another -- they were miles and miles away from one another, plus more times than not Paul was locked up in a jail somewhere. But Paul still loved Timothy so very much. We can read of his love for him in his letters to Timothy. But another thing we can read is how Paul encouraged Timothy in the work for The Lord.
The Apostle Paul had many other churches, as well, that he oversaw -- requiring that he split his time amongst many. Timothy knew this as well -- that he was not the only one that Paul needed to guide, teach, encourage and love. I suppose at times, Timothy felt abandoned. It is a very human emotion. But eventually he would be reminded by The Holy Spirit of the Truths taught him by Paul, and he would call out to The Lord and rest in His provision.
In time, Timothy grew gracefully into his calling, in serving others in Christ. I would imagine he and Paul continued their loving relationship until Paul's death, but as Timothy's relationship and dependency on God grew, his dependency on Paul lessened.
A wonderful lesson for us all.
Bloodstone, we're all here and just a PM away. I'm lifting prayers up to our Lord on your behalf. God's will be done.
Remember, Jesus loves you so very much, and He has no limits on His time...He is always available...24/7.
God bless and keep you, Bloodstone.
Love,
Mack
Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 5:38 pm