by Diane Brown

One day while out running errands, my car steering wheel froze. I ended up walking the two miles back home. As I put one foot in front of the other, I became more in tune with the colors of the changing season and stopped to watch a single leaf float to the ground. No one else saw that particular leaf cascade to the ground only me. That lone leaf reminded me that the Lord cares and sees each situation in our lives even if no one else notices.

Many Biblical characters endured situations alone: Elijah had to stand alone before the men who chose Baal. Paul was alone in a Roman prison. Christ bore the cross alone and his followers scattered in fear.

We all have times that we feel alone with our burdens some great and some small. In an unsaved work place Christians must bear antagonistic fellow employees. Young mothers may find spending twenty-four hours a day with babies and toddlers physically draining. Others must bear the burden of physical health issues. Some may feel alone as they bear the load of their burdens. So how can we remember that we are not alone?

Remember God and know your enemy. The devil wants to get our thinking off track especially us women. Elijah was able to stand alone because he knew something about the character of God. He was not confused on which side he belonged. Diving into God’s Word will help bring clarity back to our thinking. (I Cor. 14:33, Ps. 94:19) Paul spent his time alone in the Roman prison to write letters to the churches and used his situation as an opportunity to tell the guards about the work of Christ. Pray that God would use your situation to bring Him glory. (I Cor. 10:31) Christ had to bear the burden of the cross alone. He did this work because of his great love for us. If he notices one lone leaf or sparrow that falls from the tree, he surely cares about us and has purpose for each intricate part of our life.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Elisha A. Hoffman