For the Christ-follower, feeling alone is common. Everyone, at one time or another, struggles with that. Especially when getting hammered. The difference is how the hammering is seen. Today’s devotion is one of reassurance that the hammering is going to come, but I am not alone when it does.
I often feel like I’m getting beat up. It’s not a physical thing like followers of Christ in other countries. Mine is more mental. Spiritual. Sometimes I just feel beat up. I get discouraged because of unanswered prayer. I get discouraged because it seems relentless at times. But its not. I certainly don’t face what others do. There’s is much more intense, strong, ongoing. Mine seems minor. But each person’s struggles are unique to them. It’s what the enemy has designed specifically for me. And as I go through the struggles, Tripp says there are 4 things to remember. Here is my summary:
- It’s okay not to pretend all is okay. Faking is bad. God doesn’t want me to pretend. He wants me real.
- God’s plan is being implemented. Struggles are not God’s punishment nor are they saying I’m being a failure. God’s plan will be worked out.
- I’m NEVER alone. Rinse and Repeat: I. AM. NEVER. ALONE.
- I may feel overwhelmed and overcome but I have a Savior who will never be. He is greater.
“Father, what a great reassurance today! Thank you. Thank you that I’m not alone. Thank you that it is true what Tripp says, ‘Troubles don’t determine my destiny; you do!’ Help me not to get discouraged by to live through my struggles experiencing your grace and strength. Never alone.”
Thanks for the summary Bill…
My experience tells me that I am probably my own worst enemy when it comes to feeling alone and getting discouraged. Most of the time the problems I face are self-induced.
I grab on to the opening heading that Tripp writes…
“Don’t be discouraged as you face your problems. You have more than strength and wisdom. You have the empowering GRACE of Jesus.”
It is the grace that I need to survive.
Remembering the points you outlined are important as well.
I pretended for to long that things were “OK”
I still need to guard against looking for the mask at times.
Struggles will come, trials will come, I don’t like it while I am in it, but sometimes a forced course correction is necessary
Remembering I am not alone can be a challenge. When I am upset or feeling beaten, I withdraw… from others… from God. Again… my own worst enemy.
The last one is the hardest for me…
My troubles may overcome me… I may lose the battle…
but God has already won the war.
Ryan S.
You’re welcome Ryan. And thanks for the greater insight. I think we all struggle with some part of the 4 things to remember.
Good to be reminded that our struggles are NOT God’s punishment – ever! He is with us at all times. I will rinse and repeat, Bill! 🙂
Blessings!
I don’t know why I said that Martha. But glad you grabbed onto it. 🙂
Good one, Bill.
We know, even Christ told us, we would have trouble in this world. But He also told us the answer; Him…
When we revere Him more than anything in His creation it helps in our times of tribulation.
you make an excellent point Floyd. Jesus said we would have and should expect trouble. I still can’t figure out why there are teachers who want us to escape them and name it/claim it to live above our circumstances.