2 Timothy 4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  In this chapter Paul tells us that the time of his departure is at hand.
He also tells us just a couple verses prior… No man stood with me.  That must have been painful for Paul.  Notice vs 17…
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  Herein lies the secret to Paul’s preservation.   Though no man stood with him, the Lord stood with him AND strengthened him. There was Gods PRESENCE and POWER!
Then there was God’s PURPOSE in his life… that the preaching of the gospel might be fully known among the Gentiles!
Notice lastly, Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  Here we see God’s PROTECTION!  Why does God preserve us and why be grateful?  He preserves you and I that we might be used to reach others with the glorious gospel of Christ!  The devil walketh about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  Stop and thank God this day… Greater is He that is in you!  If God be for us who can be against us.  Preserved unto His heavenly kingdom! Thank the Lord!  Amen.  Pastor