At His most desperate time, Jesus invited His closest disciples to stay near Him and to pray with Him. And they let him down.  As Jesus faced His journey to the cross, although He appeared to stand alone, He was never abandoned by His Father. At times, You too may feel abandoned.  Although we work for unity, sometimes others simply refuse to stay at the table, to continue the difficult conversation, to support us in our time of need. But we are never truly alone because God will never leave us. Jesus is with us when we stand alone from the crowd and stand firm for Him. 

 

Day 1       Mark 14:32-50

Reflect: At this time, what did Jesus really need from His disciples? For what was Jesus “standing alone”? What did He mean by His words in verse 38?

Apply:   When taking a stand for or against something, how have you experienced being left on your own? When have you felt you were “standing alone” for your faith in Jesus? How did the Lord affirm His presence with you in these situations?  

Pray:     Holy Spirit, strengthen me as I endure in the battles. Shield me from evil through truth, the gospel, and prayer. Teach me to abide in You.

 

Day 2      Isaiah 43:1-2

Reflect: What do you learn about God from this text? About humans and our relationship with the Lord? How would you rewrite verse 2 to be more personal for your life? 

Apply:   Through trials, how have you seen God by your side? How have you known God as your constant companion? If you have not, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. 

Pray:      Lord, as I face the storms and flames of life that appear to be so overwhelming, remind me of Who You are. Help me to secure my hope in You, the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-gracious God Who loves us with an everlasting love.

 

Day 3      John 8:25-30

Reflect: What is Jesus teaching us about the Father through this text? When Jesus uses the word “alone” in verse 29, how is He pointing us to the blessing of relationships?     

Apply:   How much of what you do is what God wants you to do? Do you always do or think things that are pleasing to God? How does Your obedience make His presence more real? 

Pray:     Lord, it is only when I recognize who You are and who I am, that I understand that You are the only answer for my enormous need. Without hesitation, I say yes to the plan You have for my life, knowing I am never alone for You are always with me. 

 

Day 4     1 Kings 19:9-18

Reflect: How would you describe what Elijah was feeling? What did the Lord want Elijah to know about Him? About his situation? Why? How does the enemy use “alone” against us?

Apply:   When have you felt apprehensive about a calling from the Lord? How does knowing that there are Christians all over the world who believe what you do impact your faith? 

Pray:      Lord, as You will, use me in Your wider plans and purposes. Give me an understanding heart and a listening ear that keep me looking to You in all situations.

 

Day 5.    1 Corinthians 15:50-58  

Reflect: For what reason did Paul declare the truth that Christians have victory over sin and death? What kinds of things can “move” us away from faith and our work for the Lord (verse 58)? 

Apply:  Currently, how does the promise and hope of eternity impact your faith? “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” How tough is your faith, even when you’re alone? To grow stronger, what does Jesus say you need? Who could you help have a “tougher faith”? 

Pray:    Father, what a wonderful hope we have in Christ! May all come to a saving faith in Jesus and begin to enjoy a close walk with You.

 

 

Put It into Practice!

Week 3:   I Stand Alone

It was God who said it is not good for us to be alone. Invite the Lord each day to reveal His presence with you in new ways and take note of how it increases your faith and courage and strength to stand for Jesus. Thank God for those He has given you in your life who stand with you.