“You are not the only one”

Sunday, October 01, 2017

Throughout the scriptures, God’s people are to remind themselves that whenever they are facing a hardship, they are not alone. Oh, it is true that our Lord knows everything that is going on and He will never forsake us (Heb. 13:5), that’s not the aspect I want to talk about. The fact that we are not alone, has to do with idea that whatever we face, others face hardships too.

In I Peter 5:9, the inspired writer stated, “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”  It might seem that when we are having to endure all kinds of difficulties, our brothers and sisters face the same things. They may not be exactly the same, but hardships come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Knowing all of this, does it really help Christians to know this? Does it really provide strength? The answer is yes. There is comfort knowing that we are not alone and that others are having to deal with things too. It is foolish to think, “Nobody knows the troubles I have.” I may not know the specifics, but we can be confident to know that when it comes to things that will test our faith, it is “common to man” (I Cor. 10:13).

We really don’t have to look any farther than Jesus Himself. The reason He is a great example is because He was tempted in all ways just like we are (Heb. 4:15). Again, yes we are talking about the Lord, but think this through. Since Jesus was tempted like everyone, then would not everyone be tempted like one another? Of course they would. Also, if Jesus gave us an example to help us overcome, cannot saints strive to provide the same example for each other? Again, yes!

The next time you go to church services, take a moment and look around at all your brothers and sisters. You can be sure that each and every one of them has some sort of suffering going on in their lives. Knowing that to be true, look, they are there serving the Lord, just as you are. Now doesn’t that give you strength and encouragement? It should. Reason being, they are to thinking the same thing about you.

Chuck

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