When our first child was born, my husband determined to share in the care of our child. While we have different parenting strengths and styles, we have carried the responsibilities together, with the exception of one area. My husband decided that although nature’s design made it impossible for him to physically feed our baby, he would at least help with the late-night feedings in spirit by waking up to keep me and our firstborn company. Though his efforts were valiant, a week later he was back to snoozing through most of them. Looking back, I have learned that not everything can be done together; some places we must walk alone.
Returning from exile to restore the wall around God’s holy city, Nehemiah faced a formidable task. His enemies were waiting to disrupt his mission, so Nehemiah chose to survey the city at night with only a few trusted people at his side. He couldn’t risk interruption; nor could he risk having the wrong people involved in the planning of the wall reconstruction.
The more relational we are, the more we look to involve other people in whatever we undertake in life. While we’re called to help carry the load for one another (Galatians 6:2)—and the Bible talks about the need for encouragement within the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24- 25)—there are some places we must travel on our own in order to know that God alone is our stronghold.
Consider Psalm 134:1, which says, “Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.” Separated from others, a night watchman serves when everyone else is at rest. This verse, however, teaches us that a night hour becomes a blessing, not a hardship, as we learn to trust God to be our validation and to carry our burdens.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 2:14-40
More:
Read Luke 22:41-44 and John 16:31-32 to see how Jesus experienced times of serving alone. He understands our aloneness and has given us the promise of His peace.
Next:
What are some places you’ve had to walk alone? Why does the enemy love to tempt us with bitterness when we are (or feel) alone?
sandylu on October 8, 2011 at 6:01 pm
As mortal emotional beings, God gave us emotions. As the realization of loneliness enters situations we cannot change…God can use those times to stretch, to grow our faith and lift us out into a stronger knowledge that He will never leave us alone. And in those times of feeling alone, we can learn hope, trust, victory…and then share that experience with those who will also feel so alone.
regina franklin on October 9, 2011 at 3:35 pm
Dear Sandylu,
You expressed my heart exactly for some of the places my husband and I have walked through in the past few years. God has been our strength, and while we don’t want to repeat some of the trials we have faced in ministry, I would not trade what we have learned about His faithfulness for a trouble-free life!
seeking777always on October 8, 2011 at 7:02 pm
you know, my wife and I have been married a year now and just recently found out we are expecting our first child. As much as I want to be apart of every bit of these next months this devotional reminded me that I won’t be able too. At first it was a little discouraging but now it brings peace to my heart, because I know that what ever parts I can’t help her through that someone else will be. God will be there every step of the way and that what ever part I play will only a small portion of what He’s going to provide her with. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂 Blessings 🙂
regina franklin on October 9, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Dear Seeking777always,
Congratulations on the new life in your family! Yes, you give your wife and your soon-coming child the best gift when you hold them before the Lord, so He can be their greatest strength and covering. May the Lord give you wisdom as you lead your home.
rflippo on October 13, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Regina,
This is your sister stopping by to say I love you much and love reading your writings:-)
regina franklin on October 9, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Dear Eduardo,
Good point–sometimes the enemy tries to use lonely places to make us feel as if we are the only ones walking through our particular trial. As you aptly point out, we are never alone in that Christ stays beside us and there is no trial but what is common to man. Though we might feel as if we are the only ones to have endured such places, we aren’t. Christ has been our perfect example and others beside us might be going through very similar places.