September 26, 2022
Never Alone
Suzanne Eller
Today’s Truth
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24 NKJV).
Friend to Friend
When I was growing up my favorite movie was the classic Wizard of Oz. I lay on the carpet, completely absorbed as Dorothy battled flying monkeys and fled from the wicked witch of the West. I wondered if she’d make it to Oz or ever find her way home to Auntie Em. It seemed unfair. A girl and a tiny dog all on their own, until she met her unlikely heroes. A tin man, a cowardly lion, and my personal favorite, the scarecrow. Nothing changed, not really. A wicked witch still wished her harm. Flying monkeys still followed her every move. But suddenly, she was surrounded by those who traveled the road with her, and that made all the difference.
The Wizard of Oz is only a movie, yet there have been times I have also been on an uncertain road. My feet were on a path that I felt would never end. I was unsure of what was ahead or when I’d arrive. It felt like I was battling something bigger than myself.
In Psalm 31:24, David sings this song: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24 NKJV).
Those words came even as he walked through troubled times. He had found strength greater than his own. That came in many forms, but most of all David found strength as the Lord walked with him.
When I look back over the years, I see the same song playing out over my life. The Lord brought unlikely companions into my life – a pastor’s wife who held an unchurched teenager in her arms and let her know that she would pray; a family who opened their home and let me (and several other teenagers) hang out, even though there is a good chance we ate them out of house and home; friends who showed up in critical times, like the time I had cancer. They mowed my lawn. They loved my children. They tucked casseroles in the refrigerator.
I also know that my greatest companion on those rocky roads was the Lord Himself. I had no idea where the harder path would lead. I had no idea how I would make it to the other side. What I did know is that the Lord was by my side and His strength would hold me up.
The Wizard of Oz is a clever movie, and I still love it today.
Yet what I love more is that when you and I find ourselves in the more difficult seasons, we find the strength we need from godly people and God Himself. This is oh-so-real. It offers hope. It offers strength that serves as our companion from our first step until we reach the other side.
Let’s Pray
Lord, I may not know where I am going or even how to take the next step, but I do know that I am not alone in this hard season. Not only are there people walking with me trying their best to love me well, You are present and I am grateful. Thank You for the strength I find in You, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What is one thing you want to tell God today as you walk this difficult path?
If it is for a friend to walk with you, ask for that. Also, remember that God is a safe place to share that you are unsure, or afraid. As you walk that harder path, you are in a sacred place for God is with you. Every step of the way.
More from the Girlfriends
In Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times, Suzie shares 90 lead-in prayer starters grounded in scripture that you can make your own, or simply let them lead you into God’s presence right where you are. It also includes encouragement and pauses so you can reflect and connect. It allows you (or a friend) to go deep with God in those harder places.
© 2022 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Monday, 26 September 2022.
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