Not Alone
My wife and I love to watch the Amazing Race. On the Amazing Race, teams of two compete in various challenges all across the world to ultimately reach the finish line first. Those that get there last on each leg of the race are eliminated from the race. Two things that we really enjoy about the show are getting to see different parts of the world and their cultures and watching how different people manage and overcome challenges. As you can imagine, though, sometimes the individuals do not know how to handle the challenge and end up reacting out of fear, anger, stress, sadness, and any number of other emotions. All of this plays out on cable television for the entire world to see.
When you are struggling and having a bad day, does it feel like the whole world is watching you? Do you feel like every flaw and wrong decision is exposing you for who you fear you are? Does everything that you have worked so hard to hide from others seem to come spilling out with no way to hide it again?
I’m sure if we are honest, we have all been there. I know I have. Some moments feel so low that there is no way things could ever get better. Often times, they do though. The shame and exposure we feel in that moment is often temporary and invites us to really consider what is important in our lives, or who is important. We find out who is there for us in our darkest hour; who sees us for all of our flaws and still loves us and cares for us. If you are feeling ashamed and exposed right now, here are some things to consider:
1. God loves you and sees you. In Luke 22 we see one depiction of Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus. Verses 31-34 say: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I (Jesus) have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. But he (Peter) replied, Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death. Jesus answered, I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” A few verses later just as Jesus had said, Peter denies Jesus three times. Verses 61-62 state that “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times. And he went outside and wept bitterly.” A lot of us probably can understand what Peter was experiencing in that moment, possibly his lowest moment. But this is not the end of Peter’s story. Peter is approached by Jesus after the resurrection and instructs Peter to “feed my sheep” and “take care of my sheep” and Peter would go on to be the first head of the Church and a great leader. Jesus saw Peter in his denial and fear and still loved him, encouraged him, and gave him an opportunity to live a life of freedom instead of shame.
2. God does not just call us to be in community, but places other people in our lives as a gift. Maybe you have had a time when you have been at your lowest moment and the kind words of a friend or family member has helped you feel loved and understood. This may not change our circumstances, but it is a blessing from God and one of the ways he calls us to interact with one another. Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” If you have people like this in your life, try reaching out to them and inviting them into your struggles. If you do not, seek out trusted people in your life or community who may be willing to be that person/people for you. None of us were meant to go through the struggles of this world alone. Even in the Amazing Race, you get to see teams that really encourage one another, celebrate one another, and comfort one another. You never know how a relationship of love may change the way you see yourself and others.
Written by Evan Pergrim
