Rarely are we as alone or isolated as we think we are. It can seem as if it is “lonely at the top,” but the reality is that when we are doing kingdom work, there are usually other kingdom citizens in the vicinity (1 Kings 19:18). When circumstances become difficult, it is our nature to feel sorry for ourselves and to assume no one else carries a similar load. We tend to magnify our own suffering and minimize the burdens borne by others. In reality, God could show us others who have endured far more than we have. To think that all God has left in His service is us, is to greatly overestimate ourselves!
Likewise, when we complain we are all alone, it is time to take our gaze off ourselves. The reason we cannot see others may be because we have become fixated on ourselves.
Pity parties may feel good at the moment, but they change nothing and they certainly don’t glorify God. People do not look back later with pride on their pity party. Such wallowing in our sorrow does not bring out our best. It might be good for us to recall that the One to whom we are complaining was sent as heaven’s lone emissary into an impoverished refugee family. Jesus had to pray alone, because even His closest friends could not stay awake with Him on His darkest night. He had to die alone because those who declared they would die with Him had denied Him and fled into the night. He understands what it is like to serve alone. Yet He never complained. He never basked in self pity. He understood His role. He knew what was at stake. He was also aware of His future reward. So He served, whether with others or alone. His service was not based on what others were doing or whether others served alongside Him or appreciated Him. His service flowed out of absolute obedience to the One who called Him. It was to Him He would give an account.
We never serve entirely alone, because there is One who promised He would never leave us or forsake us. He is ever vigilant. He constantly seeks to walk with us and to guide us. He never sleeps. He is never preoccupied with other matters. If you feel as if you are serving alone, return to the One who understands being alone far better than we do, and allow Him to give you the strength and resolve to serve Him wholeheartedly.