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Alone and Stuck

Alone and Stuck

     A lone cargo ship became stuck in the Suez Canal blocking shipping traffic for much of the world.   Ever Given is one of the largest container ships in the world whose length is equal to the height of the Empire State Building.  It was making its way through the canal when it was hit by a sand storm with high winds.  Buffeted off-course, the ship struck one bank of the canal.  Subsequently winds lodged this mighty ship across the width of the canal stopping all shipping traffic.  Alone and stuck this ship was helpless and hopeless of being able to get back on track by itself.

     Feeling alone and stuck is not unique.  Paul faced those times and expressed as much to young preacher, Timothy, whom Paul had mentored.

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.     2 Timothy 4:16-18

     We have all had those feelings of being alone and stuck at points in our lives.  Often we have family and friends who help us know we are not alone and help us get back on course.  However, most of us also face those most discouraging circumstances when we feel utterly alone when no one seems to be at our side.  Throughout scripture we see people face adversity with their confidence placed firmly in God, the one who will always stand by their side.                                                                                                                                   --Copied