Never Alone - Part 1

December 3, 2024 | Faith

Think of the last time you found yourself feeling stuck, unsure of the next step to take. For me, it was navigating through a career change. I was a new wife living in a new state, looking for a new job. Being met with closed door after closed door in my job hunt, I felt discouraged and disheartened. My husband spoke the truth - he reminded me that God provides and guides. He reminded me that God’s timing is different than ours and that I am ALWAYS valued in His eyes. Still, I began to believe lies about myself: Clueless. Helpless. Worthless. At one point or another, everyone experiences the overwhelming sensation of not knowing the next move to make. You might be feeling this way right now. If so, I want to offer four simple words: You are not alone. Nearly every book of the Bible reminds us of God's eternal presence for those who love Him. After Moses’ death, God chose Joshua to take his place and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. I love to think about this moment. If I were in Joshua’s shoes, I’d probably be thinking, “Me? Are you sure? O Lord, I don’t know where to begin!” But before he is able to respond, the Lord emphasizes that Joshua will not be in this alone.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Another instance is after Jesus’ Resurrection. He instructs His followers to go out and make disciples of all nations. At this time, being a follower of Jesus came not only with ridicule but with the risk of death. Here, too, God reminds His followers that He is forever with them.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

Life is jam-packed with complexities and challenges. We cannot navigate them all by ourselves. God knows this, which is why He has promised never to leave our side. While we are in a state of "stuckness", though, it becomes easy to forget God’s presence. This is why it is essential to have faith-filled individuals in our lives who can remind us that our God never allows us to enter a battle alone. As we walk through challenging seasons in life - whether it’s making significant career decisions, managing personal relationships, or dealing with financial issues - having at least one trusted individual to consult can make all the difference. In Never Alone - Part 2, we discuss the importance of having strong mentors and advisers. Before reading, though, I encourage you to spend some time thinking about your own mentors. Who is the first person you call when you feel alone? Who has seen you at your absolute lowest moments and chosen to stay and lift you up? Who prays over you in moments of weakness or spiritual warfare?

Abbey holds a degree in journalism from Indiana University. Her favorite topics to cover are spiritual development, nutrition, and the importance of community and connection. Currently, she and her husband live in Michigan where she works in active ministry. In her free time you'll likely find her nose deep in a book, leading group fitness classes, or experimenting in the kitchen.