Standing Alone
Loneliness takes many forms, but perhaps there is none more severe than knowing that you stand alone in an important decision.
When I was carrying our third child, Mark, every doctor I consulted advised me not to continue the pregnancy. They said there was no way he could be carried full term, and if there was, he would be deformed. In addition, my life was in danger; I could either be poisoned internally or bleed to death within hours.
My decision to trust God and go on was a very lonely one. When Morris was away on crusades, I stood alone against the entire medical profession. But God was faithful. When Mark was born he couldn't have been healthier.
Tonight, many of you may feel totally unsupported in decisions you have to make. Emotionally, you feel deserted, and wonder where you'll get the strength to keep standing. Believe me, the Lord Himself will give it to you! As Paul testified, "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me...And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom..." (2 Timothy 4:16-18, NKJV).
Sleep well in the assurance that you will not faint. The Lord is supporting you. But be sure to forgive all those who have "deserted" you during this time. Pray that they, too, will one day have the insight and courage to stand.
God loves you and wants to answer your prayer. Say this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father, I praise You for the fact that, no matter how alone I feel or how difficult the decisions may be, You are always there. Help me to forgive all those who don't understand me or who oppose me in this choice. Help them to become stronger and wiser in You. I pray this entire situation results in great glory to You and to Your Son. In Jesus' Name, Amen.