Church Family
Life has a way of applying pressure when we least expect it. Trials come in many forms. Often in life it seems that health concerns, family strain, financial stress, spiritual discouragement, arrive all at once. For many believers, the hardest part of hardship isn’t the circumstance itself, but admitting we can’t carry it alone. On Sunday, February 15th it was made clear to me that I could not carry the details of my life alone. So, at the end of second service, I asked my church family to pray for me. I almost did not ask because of pride. I felt like I should be strong enough. I felt the pressure of getting through the moment in my own strength by bucking up or faking my way through the moment. But I could not do that, and I am glad that I couldn’t.
Scripture reminds us that we were never designed to bear life’s burdens in isolation. God calls His people to live in dependence—on Him and on one another. “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Yet pride often stands in the way. We fear appearing weak, being a burden, or exposing vulnerability. As a result, we suffer silently when God has already provided help through the body of Christ.
Asking for prayer is not a sign of spiritual failure. It acknowledges that God is sufficient and that He works through His people. James encourages believers, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). There is both spiritual strength and emotional relief that comes when we invite others to pray with us and for us.
Pride tells us to manage, endure, and push through alone. The gospel tells us to come honestly before the Lord, casting our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). When we humble ourselves, God meets us with grace, not condemnation. It is good to humble ourselves and admit that there are seasons of life that come that we cannot carry by ourselves. We need to acknowledge this fact. And as we do, let’s request prayers from other brothers and sisters and ask God to intervene and move in ways that only He can.
Please hear me, if you’re walking through a difficult season, consider this gentle encouragement: don’t walk alone. Reach out. Ask for prayer. Let the church be the church. In doing so, you honor Christ, strengthen the body, and experience the comfort God intended you to have. I know this is true, because I experienced all these benefits when I asked for prayer a few weeks ago at the end of second service. I got past my pride, I admitted my need, and I asked for prayer. I am so glad that I did!! My immediate circumstances did not change, but the burden I was carrying became lighter, and hope and comfort filled my heart as prayers were prayed over me.
I love you and I love being your pastor
