But there is another way Christians can feel very alone. And that is in comparison to other Christians. You see Christians often put on the "I'm perfect" image to the world. "Jesus saved me and now I'm so good." To other Christians who are still experiencing worldly struggles that "perfect" Christian makes the imperfect one feel like maybe they missed something, or maybe they aren't really a Christian at all.
Being a Christian means accepting Jesus as Lord of your life and acknowledging he died for your sins, he is your savior. It doesn't mean your life is perfect. Christians experience death, disease, and divorce just like non-believers. So sometimes when you see that "perfect" family, it can be very isolating.
But you know what? You're never alone. Jesus promised to be with us forever. He is perfect, but he embraces us inspite of imperfections, and in fact died for us because we couldn't get it right.
Are you struggling today, feeling like you're all alone? You're not. Jesus is with you, now and forever. He loves you just as you are...but He loves you too much to let you stay that way.
Deuteronomy 31:6 -- for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Matthew 28:20 -- {Jesus said} And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Romans 5:8 -- But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
22 comments:
Feeling VERY alone at the moment (the 2nd one)and this is a great post for me today. THanks for always encouraging and lifting up.
Lots of love. xx
Such a sweet and encouraging post. Don't you hate it when some bloggers aren't just REAL and put out the good with the bad? I want to read about others struggles AND their victories. None of us have arrived and are on this walk together.
Bless you today Kelly!
Love,
b
Interestingly, I think it is the "perfect family" who isolates themselves really.
Authenticity in the pursuit of holiness...only by His grace and by abiding in Him and His Word. Him. His. He.
Hugs,
Sharon
Kelly,
This is an awesome post and so true. I am thankful I have my Heavenly Father to cling to in times of despair. I do not know how I would have survived thus far without HIM. So many times, He has been the only thing I had in my life that was stable.
Blessings, andrea
PS: Urgent prayer request on arise 2 write
This is a very timely post my friend. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you.
***
I always have room for more grandkids. :)
Zoie and I had a conversation about this yesterday. She struggles with perfectionism. She wants to be perfect so bad it hurts.
AS we began to break down what a perect person (here among inperfect people) would be like her eyes widened and she said, "Mom! I'd have no friends! No one would want to be around me then would they? Thank you God that my life ain't perfect!"
All I can say is thank you for confirming this message for me today as I am going to face my mother-in-law today who always makes me feel imperfect and alone! I'm not alone. I'm just the way God wants me.
There's times I feel really alone too.
My "feelings" can really mess me up sometimes. Thank God, I know I'm not ever really alone and Jesus is my BFF!!! I have to remind myself sometimes to go on what I know rather than my feelings.
I have been the bad guy your parents told you to stay away from. Jesus wore my stripes so that I didn't have to. That makes me forgiven. Not better. I am a work in progress. And God will finish what He began. Next time you go to a zoo. Stop and look at the lions. They were the greeters of the early Christians. That was alone. Being mauled in to death front of tens of thousands screaming for your blood. Have you ever been that lonely?
I pray not. Not Now or ever. When you got it tough, remember those who went before you. It will bolster your courage.
Praise God in all things. Not for all things. He is not the author of chaos or destruction. He has a plan to prosper you. Not to harm you.
I unashamedly love you. Preach on sister. Stars in your crown.
KW
Kelly,
Great post! These are great examples of just two ways we, as Christians, can feel alone. But the truth is we are never alone. God never leaves our sides, we simply just need to turn back to Him and rest in complete confidence. Being alone would be being without the knowledge of where your soul will wind up once you are done with this world. That to me, defines the true word alone.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Its so hard to figure out how we are supposed to be. I have a deep love for Christ, but do I fall? Absolutely! But I have people in place that are to call me on it when I do sin. That's what brothers and sisters in Christ do, we love one another and hold each up and accountable.
Oh Kelly, such a wonderful post!
Jesus is always there.
As God keeps the sparrow company, so he keeps us company (or something like that).
I was going to say what HH/KW said, but I see he already beat me to it.
Hugs xx
Recently I read that God uses our messed up lives to illustrate time and again his whole plan for mankind. I thought that was an interesting notion. You are right; believers still face the same struggles as nons do.
Really excellent post! We are truly never alone. I try to always remember that He is with me. It sure changes my perspective on things. When I mess up...which I do more often than I'd like to admit...it doesn't take as long to make it right. Blessings!
You got it, Kelly! Nail on the head. I tend to just share it how it is, as far as my Christian walk goes, b/c I am often that one who, though she knows better- compares! What a snare.
I'm tickled pink to have you as a follower! Haven't heard from Examiner, yet, but am following in your footsteps, as a new reviewer for Thomas Nelson, whoot whoot! Finding plenty of new writing outlets- exciting.
Thanks!
This is so true, and unfortunately I even see it in blogland.
We each have Jesus....no need to feel competitive about it!
Happy Weekend!
I love this post. It's so easy to feel isolated in this wicked world. It's all going to pass like a dream and then the morning will come. He will wipe away every tear.
You are such an encourager, Kelly. Thanks for this beautiful reminder that we're never alone.
This is a very encouraging post Kelly! We just shouldn't compare ourselves to other Christians and we must remember God loves us.
Love Collette xxx
Great encouragement. And no matter how far away we are from God, it is only ever one step back. One slight turn of the head in His direction to realize we are never alone.
Susan
Hi Kelly,
Great post, glad I stumbled upon your blog tonight!
Thanks so much Kelly. This is SO me. Even when I'm worship leading I'm telling myself that I don't deserve to be here, I don't belong amongst all these "good" people.
Thanks again
Sharon.
Kelly....I KNEW you would love the NFL theme song on Playlist! I chuckled when I did that because i knew you'd get a kick out of it.
Honestly, whenever I change my Playlist I think of you "Will Kelly like this?". I appreciate that you take notice. :)
Hugs,
Sharon
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