This post is in the same vein as a recent one.  (And I elaborate even further in a subsequent one… maybe we’ll make it a recurring series.)

Remember when we were kids (and ever since) when someone would express an opinion with which we agree and we’d say “Me too!” (at least before it took on an entirely different meaning starting in 2017) or “You and me both!” or “You’re not alone”?  Believe it or not, this sentiment has very deep roots in the Bible.

The Bible is clear that suffering/persecution goes hand-in-hand and indeed is part and parcel and inherently characteristic of the Christian life (2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 12:7-11).  But that’s not cause for doom and gloom but rather tremendous and unfettered joy since it also renders the crystal clear conclusion that suffering/persecution/tribulation also produces necessary benefits (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:5) and anyway can’t even compare, “are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

All of that is very true — totally true, in both essence and extent — but God knows that in our human experience, suffering still isn’t easy (though the more one focuses on these truths and promises and perhaps particularly that last one, the easier it will be!) but thankfully He has given us some additional aids in the Bible to directly address this.  (As I always say… there’s a verse for that! =)

One of the strongest I’ve found which is such an amazing help is the fact that I, that we, that you are NOT alone!

I certainly wouldn’t recommend building a theology on the human adage that “misery loves company” due to the negative side of how it’s used or perceived but the other side of that coin is actually very biblical and thus infinitely valid and joy-inducing and profitable  (2 Timothy 3:14-17, especially verse 16) and USEFUL (1 Timothy 1:8, an equally-acceptable translation of the word “good” which appears in most versions) and therefore not to be ignored, indeed we should be squeezing as much gain and benefit out of this truth as possible:  the fact of the matter is that there is considerable comfort in the knowledge that I, that we, that you are NOT alone!

That’s why the Bible says that temptation/trial/testing/suffering “is COMMON to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13) [one great illustration about how very common what we experience in life is:  almost EVERY TIME I type something into Google, their auto-full feature brings up EXACTLY what I’m searching for, right at the top, i.e., because so many other people have searched for that very same thing, done the exact same search… so now whenever you google something just think of this amazing, empowering verse!] and this:  “KNOWING that the SAME EXPERIENCES OF SUFFERING are being accomplished [undergone, experienced, fulfilled] by your brethren who are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:9)  And then a glorious echo of Romans 8:18 and Hebrews 12:11 in the very next verse:  “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

While I wouldn’t wish such suffering on anyone (other than false teachers and the ilk who would lead people astray and try to take them to hell with them as vividly and dramatically discussed in 2 Peter 2 and Jude and most shockingly Galatians 1:9 where Paul literally says “let [false teachers] be accursed“), I have to say that just knowing that I’m NOT ALONE is a major and powerful motivation to “keep on keeping on”, to persevere and make lemonade out of every trial or suffering God allows into my life (one of the main applications of the book of James).  Because when we DON’T persevere, when we instead give into trial/temptation and sin, that not only has an effect on us (primarily) but on the whole body of Christ (secondarily), which is why the Bible gives clear guidelines and indeed commands for church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Timothy 5:19-20), so may I never, ever contribute to weighing down the body of Christ, the Church, but rather may my actions and attitudes always be for its building UP.  May I do my part and live this earthly life in a manner conducive to purifying, not dirtying, the future bride of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Like I said, major and powerful motivation.  I trust it will be for you, too.  Just to know that you are NOT alone!
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