I’ve been trying to piece my thoughts together with no loose ends – a circle beginning with my own struggle and ending with hope.

But sometimes things don’t work out that way.

Sometimes we don’t have an answer to “why” we hurt, only the solid, concrete slab we’re standing on with the word “trust” etched at our feet.

Trust that God has His reasons and a good purpose for it all. Trust that He is faithful to bring good out of our pain.

What I’m learning…

God may lead us into difficult places. (Remember, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness.) This isn’t to harm us but to strengthen our faith because the road ahead is an important one.

We may have to go into some dark and lonely places because others need the light of Christ to find their way out. We should never hide that light.

So, what you’re going through may be a real struggle, but others need to know they’re not alone. The only way for them to know you mean what you say is to see the same pain mirrored in your eyes, to hear the same cries they cry when they’re alone and they think no one cares enough to check on them.

Share your pain and stop trying to be so strong all the time. Let them know you’re falling apart.

They need to know you “get it” and that hope is not a fantasy a bunch of happy-go-lucky people are talking about while walking around in la-la land.

They need to know you’ve fallen on your face. They need to know you’ve messed up and you’re not perfect.

Others need to know life isn’t all about sunshine and rainbows and smiling faces on social media. They need to see your scars, hear your story, and know that God IS faithful to come to the rescue when you cry out to Him from the most painful, difficult place.

They need to know God cares and wants to rescue us all.

So, I’m telling you today as I trip over my words and stumble my way through this dark place of loneliness and discouragement while holding the light of Christ like a beacon for both of us:

God hasn’t forgotten you, precious soul. The enemy is a liar, and he’s trying to keep you shackled in this prison of loneliness and discouragement.

I know, life hurts. Loneliness is cold and heavy, and it feels like hope is far away. But it’s not. God is right here, right now. He sent me here for you. That’s how much He loves you. He has more for you to do. You can’t give up.

See these tears I’m crying? I get it. I’ve been hurting, too. And this place is awful. But God has so much more for us than THIS.

Come on, now. Let’s get out of here. And while we’re on our way, let’s take hold of somebody else and bring them, too.

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