God’s Answer to Feeling Alone or Abandoned

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Have you ever gotten into a tough spot and felt alone—almost like everyone around you has abandoned you? You’ve thought, Where are my friends? Where is my family? Where are those I expected to be there for me?

People that feel abandoned are often mad at those whom they think should have been there for them. And that is a problem! If they don’t turn that around, they open themselves to becoming bitter and that can often lead to being mad at the whole world! I know that sounds extreme and people would seldom admit it, but the truth is, when you feel disappointed by those you love, life and people in general can become a dissapointment. And this is when you must remember that Jesus was in that spot. His heart and attitude was different from how we might be tempted to respond so we must learn from Him rather than cave into our emotions!

One day Jesus was teaching his disciples that there would shortly be an attack on His life. He foretold them that when this happened, His disciples would run, scatter and abandon Him. Jesus wasn’t saying this to make them feel guilty. It was just the opposite. He was saying it to free them up so they wouldn’t feel overcome with guilt. He understood what it was like to be us—to be attacked and to be fearful and hope others would protect us or stand by our side and comfort us in our time of need. Jesus would have loved that too! Jesus told them that even though it looked like He would be alone and abandoned at the most horrendously awful time of His life, He wouldn’t be. Let’s read…

John 16:32-33 (NIV) “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus told them that a) they’d scatter leaving Him alone; b) that He wouldn’t be alone —His Heavenly Father would be with Him; and c) He said He was telling them so they’d have peace through this difficult time while feeling helpless to help Jesus. Finally He told them, this is the way of life on earth and hardships happen, but, they should have confidence—Jesus has overcome all this and He has a plan of redemption for their lives. He told them that He’d be with them always! Matthew 28:20 (KJV) “…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

You may feel alone in a hard times, but you don’t need to be mad at your friends, your family, or the world. And please, don’t be stupid enough to be mad at God. He is not your problem!

Too often, even those closest to you don’t understand all that you’re going through. Maybe you think they should but they don’t unless they’ve been through it. An often times, they don’t have the time, resources, or personal strength and discipline to do so. Whether that’s right or not, isn’t the point. Get bitter from it and it will take you down. But, it’s okay! You have not been abandoned! Jesus is with you! When you received Him as your Savior, He gave you the Holy Spirit who lives within you. You have the promise of Jesus that as you trust, pray, and lean on Him and His promises, you can and will overcome anything the devil and this world bring against you. He will help you! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

That is what gave Jesus peace. He knew His Father was with Him and this is what He wanted His friends and disciples to draw strength from. He didn’t make them feel guilty. Most people hand out guilt on a silver platter. Jesus didn’t. He wanted them free and in peace. He knew His Father had a plan and trusted Him. That is what brings supernatural peace. When you have that peace, you can give it to others. Jesus had it and so He set them free from guilt. You do the same and you’ll be set free and empowered for God to work mightily in your life!

I have had friends that have been in trouble and though I’ve wanted to help, often wished I could do more. Sometimes we feel limited in what we can do. But, in times like that, I at least purpose to pray for them and let them know I am praying for them! I’ve always had great confidence in God responding to my prayers because He says He will. When I can do more, I do. I have learned that I am not anyone’s Savior. Only Jesus is! Jesus is the miracle worker and the one watching over us when we have faith in Him doing so. And so I encourage them in their faith and trust in Him. They are not alone!

Today I take peace knowing that God has spoken to me and reminded me that He is with those I pray for and loves them more than I ever could. I will pray for them and for you!

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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