You’re Not Alone (Matthew 26)

We all have friends, family and community – people who support us, who are there for us. Those people are gifts from God. He made us to need community.

But there are also times in our lives when it’s just us, alone in the wilderness. We can hear our own heartbeat as it echoes in the stillness. Even when it feels most lonely, I want you to know we are not alone in that wilderness. The one who made that heart beat hears it. We’re never alone.

Remember when Jesus went to the garden, in Matthew 26 His disciples went with him, and Jesus asked them to wait and pray. A small request really, but too big for the disciples at that moment.

After praying, Jesus walked over to find them asleep. After all he had done for them, they still left him alone and ignored his request.

But he didn’t wallow in self-pity, instead, he asked them again.

They had another chance. Once again the Son of God walked away to pray. After praying, Jesus returned to his friends. Were they now lifting him in his hour of need? Were they storming heaven for this one they loved and followed each day? No. They had fallen asleep again.

Once again, Jesus had the opportunity to feel sorry for himself. To make his friends feel guilty, but did he? No. He did something I couldn’t have done. He asked them once more and gave another chance to those who let him down not once, but twice.

What did Jesus find when he returned this last time? Did they redeem themselves? Had they finally been able to support this one who had walked with them, taught them and unconditionally loved them? No.

Once again they proved that their spirit was willing, but their flesh was weak. The same kind of flesh we have.

As I write these words, I realize it’s the same for those who have disappointed us.

I have to remind myself when I feel hurt and disappointment from others, that I have also disappointed people. Was that my intention? No. Then why do I assume when I get hurt that the hurt was deliberate, intentional?

Are you hurting right now? Do you feel alone?

Could it be the enemy is trying to make you feel sorry for yourself?

Secondly, if others do step back, do you realize even then, if you know the Savior, you will never be alone?

Jesus knows how it feels to be let down by others, and has promised he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that he should lie, Nor a son of man, that he should repent; Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?”(NASB)

Deuteronomy 31:6 says: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (ESV)

So the next time you feel as if someone has let you down, remember Jesus himself was let down and disappointed by others, but he knew his Father was there, just as he is for us.

God is with you too, no matter how you feel.

Read an earlier post by Anne here.