You’re Not Alone

Common to the human condition is that, when we go through a difficult situation in life, we are tempted to feel like we are alone… like no one else has gone through this. Or at the very least, they’ve never experienced it like we have.

So, we pull back from those who love us and who could help us navigate that challenge successfully. In so doing, we make ourselves feel even more isolated in our struggle. And as we see ourselves as more isolated, we tell ourselves that no one cares or understands.

From there, the enemy enters the picture and begins to emphasize our alone-ness. He drives a wedge deeper between us and our support network. As we begin to feel worse about ourselves for pulling away from everyone, he points out that we must be bad… that others don’t have the kind of thoughts or feelings we do… that others wouldn’t respond the way we are.

And so we isolate ourselves more out of fear… fear of someone finding out what we think or feel… fear of someone finding out we don’t have it all together.

But that’s just what the enemy of our souls wants. He wants to separate us from the crowd. Why? Because, as Alton Garrison has said on many occasions, “It’s the banana that gets separated from the bunch that loses its skin.” The enemy uses a divide-and-conquer method.

The truth is, you’re not alone. You’re not alone in what you’re feeling or thinking. Not only have others felt and thought those same things throughout history, some of your friends are feeling and thinking them right now.

What it takes to break through to some sense of feeling normal is to:

– press back toward those in our support network with whom we are closest

– open up and talk about our thoughts and feelings

– and ask if others have felt like that and thought things like that.

When we find out we’re not alone in our struggle, we begin to realize that it’s okay to face challenges and have to work through them. God gave us each other to help overcome.

Together means we don’t have to face the challenges on our own. Together, we know to pray for each other. Together, we can overcome our challenges.

 So no matter what you think or feel right now, know this…

You’re… not… alone.

Author: Allen Chapin

- Christian, husband, dad, friend, leader, author and speaker - Life Purpose = Love & Encourage, Offering Grace & Hope - Life Motto = Living for the applause of nail-scarred hands - Life Verse = Matthew 25:21 View all posts by Allen Chapin