A Secret for When You’re in Trouble – August 7, 2024

Read: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. . . The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.
2 Timothy 4:16-18

A Secret for When You’re in Trouble

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Paul was in trouble. He lived way back in the days when emperors ruled countries and lots of people tried to hurt Christians. It was only a few years after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. The apostle Paul loved to talk about Jesus, which is why he was in trouble. His enemies arrested him and put him in jail. They made him stand on trial and accused him of being a bad person. He was all alone.

Paul was in trouble—but he had a secret that made him calm and untroubled. Even when people yelled at him so loud that his friends ran away, Paul stood firm and brave. Paul had a secret that helped him talk about Jesus even when someone threatened to kill him for doing it. He knew something that made him sing for joy, even while living in a jail cell with a dirt floor.

What was Paul’s secret? He wrote, “The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” Jesus was with him!

People nowadays get in trouble, too. Sometimes, kids do something wrong and have to face a teacher or parent for a scary conversation. Sometimes, those scary conversations happen even when nobody does something wrong. Sometimes, there is yelling, crying, and loneliness. That’s why you need to know Paul’s secret.

Jesus is with you just like he was with Paul. Jesus is the Judge (with a capital J) because no matter what we have done, in the end, Jesus will tell the world that we will not be punished because he was already punished for us when he died on the cross. That’s why, with Jesus by your side, you have strength. When there’s yelling, crying, or loneliness, Jesus is smiling at you because he loves you no matter what. When life gets scary, Jesus promises that someday we will live in a place with no fear, punishment, or trouble. He will take us safely to heaven, where we will finally see that he has been with us all along.

The next time you’re in trouble, remember Paul’s secret. Jesus is with you!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, your mercies are new every single day! When I’m feeling anxious, bring comfort into my heart. Never stop loving and leading me because you know what’s best for me. Stay at my side until you bring me home in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is scary about being in trouble?
• What was Paul’s secret for the next time you are scared or in trouble?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is another way you could remember Paul’s secret when you are in trouble?
• How might you use the story of the apostle Paul to encourage a friend who is scared or in trouble?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain how Paul’s secret affected his outlook about staying on earth or going to heaven.
• Based on 2 Timothy 4:16-18, what might Paul have said when he was on trial?