In the hard times of life, the presence, the word, and the encouragement of just one friend can make all the difference. We only need one to come alongside us and give us hope. Where do you turn when you don’t have the one?
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Alone as the tears streamed down my cheeks, I wondered if anyone understood my pain. Would anyone care?
I longed to feel the comfort of a touch. To know I was not alone. To believe that despite my faults and my circumstances, I was worthy of being loved.
I’ve often explained to patients and their families, no matter what our circumstances, we all want the same thing: to be loved, to know we aren’t alone, and to be found worthy.
We only need one to give us hope.
Sometimes I knew these things with much greater assurance, but on this particular day, my soul was gaping from the emotional wounds of the week.
Have you ever been there? You just needed one person to care?
One person to understand?
One person to say, “Me too!”?
As I lay my head on my tear-stained pillow, I ached for just one to care, to understand, to remind me that I would get through this just as I had the other painful events in my life.
My husband was out of town and not quick to answer his cell phone. I had called a good friend, but hung up when I got to voicemail, hoping I’d feel better before she’d have time to return my call. Another friend was too overwhelmed with her own struggles for me to feel free to add to her worry. And it wasn’t the kind of thing to air on social media, although everyone seems to love a little drama there.
When you need someone to turn to, cry out to Jesus
In the darkness of the room, I did the only thing I could think of. I whispered His sweet name, “Jesus.” I didn’t need to give Him a litany of all the reasons my heart felt heavy – He had been there. He saw it all. He knew.
I needed only to give Him the pain my brokenness wielded at every turn and trust Him.
I needed to take hold of the lies that had screamed at my heart until I could hear nothing else, and exchange them for His truth.
7 Scriptures to stand one when we need hope
- When the enemy wanted me to believe no one understood my pain, God affirmed that He is well-acquainted with our sorrow: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3).
- When I was tempted to think nothing and no one could comfort me in my sorrow, I instead had to choose to believe truth which was that I serve a God of all comfort. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- As my eyes swelled from the steady stream of tears, and I was tempted to believe that I was alone in my pain, I had to choose instead to exchange that lie for God’s truth. He promises to never leave me. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
- And when the lies screamed that there were many things that would make me unworthy of love, I had to choose to remember that Jesus and His death on the cross made me worthy of God’s love. “God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NLT).
In those dark quiet moments of wrestling to fight back the lies and remember His truth, nothing in my circumstances changed. My pain still throbbed with the beat of my heart. But I was no longer alone in the fight. - God’s word is our greatest weapon in battle. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). It changes people, hearts, and the environment when it goes in and when it comes out.
- And God promises that His word will have an impact-it will not return void! “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV).
- We can fight the doubts and unbelief, the fears and the pain when we return to the truth. The truth is that we are more than overcomers and when our one source of support is Him, we’re on a winning team! “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
We can fight the doubt and unbelief, the fears and more by standing on God’s word.
During the difficult and painful times of life, it only takes one coming alongside us to give us hope. Will you let Jesus be your one?
Hope Prevails,
DrB
Every day can be a good day when you trust the promises of God.
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Dear Dr. Michelle, This post is such an encouragement. I love that God catches our tears and has given us people in our lives that make a difference. I am glad God gave you as my friend.
Diana, He is so faithful. His plan is best. His way is best. His timing is best. I’m so thankful for the friends He has blessed my life with. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
That was SUCH a hard time for you….I know in part and I know you really struggled…..thank you for sharing from vulnerability as often it carries the greatest good/power to help others.
My heart agrees with all you have said, especially:
God’s word is our greatest weapon in battle
If we had only had the women leading women series before this happened to you we might have been more help !
Thankfully what we are learning with help us to be better for others going through such an intense battle as you did during this time.
Love you, Michelle.
Sweet Mary, it was a very difficult time indeed, but God truly does use ALL things for our good. It was certainly a time of increasing my “trust muscle” on Him. Friends are a blessed gift from the Lord, but they are never meant to take the place of the Lord in our lives. We can never go wrong if we fully trust in Him. But the enemy of our soul loves to whisper lies to make us doubt and despair.
The Women Leading Women series was born in part out of this season, as it was so fresh in my mind, but also out of 25 years working with those who are hurting and in need of someone to walk along side them. What a privilege it is when He allows us to do so.
I’m so thankful for you and other friends who long to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to be that beacon of light in someone’s darkness. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
So much Truth here today! I just completed writing about why we need accountability – its a way we can reach across the table and say, “Yes, me too.: I think we do that through our blogs as well. GREAT post!!
Thank you Bethany! There is such power in hearing “Me too!” Blessings on you, my friend. Enjoyed your scope tonight 😉 Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
How quick are we to turn to others and forget that we always have in Jesus “a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Thanks for sharing your heart!
I know I have been guilty, Karen. How it must grieve Him when He is always ready and waiting for us to approach the throne of grace. May we always turn to Him as our first and foremost. Thanks for visiting! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Bless you for sharing this. I do not know how those who do not know Jesus make it from day to day. Though I am so thankful for the friends that the Lord has given me, He is my hope in all things.
I would have to agree. If He isn’t our hope in all things, we have misplaced our hope! Blessings to you! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Hey Michelle,
I came over today on Blessings Counter, and I’m glad to find your post.
There is something very sweet and satisfying when we find God and His Word to be enough, isn’t there!
I had one of those situations recently as well when it was just Jesus and me. Sort of puts everything else into perspective, don’t you think!
I’m always encouraged and blessed when I stop by your site.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend~
Melanie
Melanie, I always love it when God redirects me back to Himself and reminds me that He is enough for every one and every situation! Thank you for your sweet encouragement! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Oh, Michelle, so beautifully written! I remember moments just as you described. I remember reaching out to find a friend to say that “Me, too”. I believe that God has, at times, made my attempts at connecting with others impossible so He could teach me that He is the only One who can fully be with me and will do so at any hour of any day. He is there to fill those aches … those deep places of hurt and say, “I get it and I love you.”
I am always so blessed by your words! Keep listening to Him because He is doing great things through you!!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori, your sweet encouraging words bless my heart. Thank you! There is such power in a well-timed “me too” and “I love you!” Isn’t it a comfort that He understands us so completely? Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Thank you for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!
Thanks Mary! Blessings.
Last night we had a big sleepover, which of course, comes with some big drama. I looked each one in the eye and told them that they were loved and they were seen and sometimes, instead of taking everything as a slight, we just have to have faith and trust that that love is real. I love that God is always present and never slights us – that we can come to him whenever, and never get his voicemail!
What a beautiful way to diffuse the drama, Jennifer! It all comes back to trusting in God’s love for us. I remember when my children were little and they were constantly asking “Why?” and one answer would spur another “why?” ultimately, every time as we went down that trail, it always came back to “Because God loves you and that’s all that matters!” Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
lovely post
Thank you Denise!
Wonderful post, Michelle. I will never forget the feeling of being alone, in the middle of the night, as I waited in a hospital for a loved one in recovery. And yes, He was the One who kept me company, assured me I was not alone & brought peace to my heart & mind. Beautiful & encouraging words to be found here!
Thank you for your sweet encouragement Joanne! No one can argue with our personal testimony. And the one you shared here is just another reason I love Him so much. We may feel alone, but we will never be alone with Him by our side. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I grew up in a home where not much physical affection was offered. As a young teen I went looking for love in all of the wrong places, as I so desperately wanted to feel loved. I am thankful that even when I didn’t realize it, God was with me and caught all of my tears and extended His love.
Sometimes God has to step in and save us from ourselves, doesn’t He, Barbie? And what a gracious God He is to do that. His love is unfailing! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
We never know how one act of kindness can change someone’s whole day
Amen Michelle. Sounds like me at times in my struggle with chronic illnesses. I sooo appreciate your encouragement. Bookmarking so I can return for further encouragement. Blessings.
Visiting today from Let’s Have Coffee #17&18