ALONE BUT NOT ALONE

As a believer, LIFE is about Living. Intentionally. For. Eternity. We live with the sole purpose of knowing God and making Him known.  God gives every believer unique assignments to fulfill this purpose. This year, we will explore them through the theme God’s Assignments:  Getting Connected to Your Purpose.  Through this our monthly blog, we will reflect on the emotions we experience when we pursue those assignments.  This month’s reflection is on loneliness in pursuing purpose. (Also, check out YouTube channel as we explore the unique assignments God gives us.)

In December 2022, I took my first solo trip.  I went to Phoenix, Arizona for three nights and four days!! Inspired by solo travelers on social media, I plunged into this new adventure! I went on a hot air balloon over the Sonora desert.  I explored the restaurants and shops in Roosevelt Row neighborhood.  I drove two hours to Sedona to see the beautiful red rocks and Chapel of the Holy Cross.  I woke every morning to quiet and reflection. It was an unusually amazing experience.

Unusual for me because I generally vacation with at least one other person.  I enjoy the camaraderie of sharing portions of food we’ve ordered, having an extra set of eyes to find the street we need to turn on, or just feeling the safety of another person when you walk around in unknown areas. I’m glad that I ventured to make this trip alone.  It’s a practice that believers should grow accustomed to, being alone.  Christianity is a communal religion. Indeed, we are the Body of Christ, and we work together (1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 14). Yet, there is a unique individuality within the whole that makes that Body accomplish its work.

The assignments God gives us to complete will require an ability to stand on our own without needing others to agree or come alongside.  We must declare, “God is enough”.  Scripture says that we each will have our own cross to bear (Luke 9:23).  We each will need to stand before God to make account for how we handled this life (Romans 2: 5-6). We cannot allow the fear of loneliness keep us from walking in obedience to God.

Some ways I’ve experienced loneliness when walking in obedience are as follows:

1. Standing on God’s standard – Sometimes God will call you to do things that others in your circle simply will not understand.  You must stay obedient.
2. The Unknown – Knowing God is calling you to do something, but you don’t know specifically what it or who to ask for help. The floundering of trying to figure it out. Blazing a new trail. Help Lord!

If you are feeling alone because of God’s assignment for you in this season, keep taking the next right step. Do not allow the feeling of loneliness hijack your unique ability to effect progress in the Kingdom of God.  God is enough!! Let Him prove that to you.  In due time, according to His time and purpose, He will send those who can come alongside you. In the meantime, remember God’s truth.  

Isaiah 41: 10 – Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Psalm 27:10 – For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.”

How can I pray for you?