A few years ago, researchers wanted to determine how much pain a person would tolerate when they faced adversity alone as opposed to going through it with a friend. They had folks stand barefoot in a bucket of ice water. (How do they find people to volunteer for these things!). Not surprisingly, those who had someone to encourage them were able to withstand twice as much pain as those who stood alone.
I read that and I thought of this passage from the end of 2 Timothy:
16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But 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. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:16-18).
Even though all of Paul’s friend had deserted him, he was not standing alone. God stood with him.
Whatever adversity you might be facing, please know that God will stand with you. When adversity comes your way in the future, God will be there with you.