You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me—the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
(2 Timothy 1:15-18, NASB)
These verses contain a contrast that I believe still exists today. In verse 15, Paul wrote of those who “turned away from” him. Then verses 16-18 commend someone who stood beside him.
I know of people in ministry who experience the same. On one hand, they’re surrounded by brothers and sisters who pray for them and sometimes even support them financially. Then on the other hand, naysayers and even antagonists belittle or malign them. Even worse, some who supported them in the past “turn away from” them.
Even Jesus had His supporters and those who walked away. During His ministry, some who initially followed Him didn’t stay. And when He was arrested, all of His inner circle—His disciples—ran away (Matt. 26:56; Mark 15:50). Yet it seems that at least two of His disciples did at least attempt to be near Him (John 18:25), and some of the women who had followed Jesus remained as close to His side as possible as He walked His final steps and then hung on the cross (Matt. 27:55-56).
So why should we be surprised when people turn from us? It’ll happen. The best thing to do is focus on those who remain. Be grateful for those who minister with us and support us. And make certain we support others in return.
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