1 Peter 5:9 (NLT) says, “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” I didn’t fully grasp this verse until I talked with someone who was facing the exact same struggle that I was. As we shared our experiences, I realized that her story was ministering to me in a profound way. I wasn’t alone in my struggle. God employed this woman to help strengthen my faith and remind me to be kinder to myself. It’s easy to slip into self-condemnation about the things we get wrong. We might lead ourselves to believe that God doesn’t love us or that He’s disappointed because we missed the mark. We need to be reminded that God loves us and He assures us in Romans 8:1 that there’s no condemnation for those who love Christ.
Romans 3:23 (NLT) tells us, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” This verse isn’t meant to give us a free pass to misuse God’s grace but to remind us that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ understands our struggles with sin. Hebrews 4:15(NIV) declares, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Acknowledging this incredible truth helps us stay grounded and resist the enemy’s efforts to isolate us and make us feel condemned.
We must be clear about this: the enemy’s goal is to make us feel isolated in our struggles and to convince us that God is disappointed in us. This deception can be particularly powerful because it targets our sense of loneliness and guilt, making us believe we are facing our challenges without any support.
Even though we are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, it’s important to recognize that every Christian faces difficulties with sin. These struggles are a common part of the Christian journey, and they do not mean that we are abandoned or unloved by God. He is always with us and will never forsake or abandon us.
What we need to remember is that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection represents overwhelming victory over sin and death. Romans 8:37(NLT) tells us that despite every tribulation and trouble we endure, “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” This victory is not just a historical fact but a present reality that empowers us to overcome our struggles. Because of what Jesus accomplished, we are not only equipped to face and overcome these challenges, but we must see every struggle, obstacle, and adversity as an opportunity to draw closer to our Heavenly Father.
What’s truly comforting is that God knows how to address each of His children’s needs perfectly. He understands us better than we know ourselves and has a plan for each of us. Though enduring trials can be tough, especially when our weaknesses are targeted by the enemy’s fiery darts, we can find comfort in knowing God has perfect timing for everything. He knows just when to send the right people into our lives to uplift, encourage, and help us remain strong in Christ. We are never alone; we have the support of our fellow believers. Psalm 3:3 reminds us that God is the lifter of our heads. When He lifts us through the kindness and compassion of others, we should be ever so thankful to God for that support and let Him work through us, offering the same encouragement and help to others.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
“I’m Not Alone”, written by KLizzie, edited by Fran Mack and Kim Times, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.