One of the greatest takeaways I’ve received from Cedarville University is that I am never alone. There is nothing coming my way that I have to suffer through by myself. Every situation, every high, every low, there are people the Lord has placed in my life to support me on my journey. I can run to my Father in Heaven, but I can also seek out the prayers and support of the believers he has surrounded me with. He has blessed me immensely with an amazing community.  

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James 5:13-18 reminds us to pray. The message is clear – in every circumstance, pray. If you are celebrating, if you are in mourning, if you are grateful or you are disappointed, take those feelings to the Lord in prayer.  

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But James doesn’t stop there. He tells us in verse 14 to call on the leaders in the church and let them pray over whatever ails you. We are not supposed to keep our suffering to ourselves. The church is there to guide you, to walk with you as you grow in your faith. If there is something weighing you down—preventing you from continuing in your pursuit of the Lord, bring others into the fold so that they may support you and love you through it. God certainly hears the prayers we pray alone, but he never meant for us to carry our burdens alone. Sometimes our response to suffering isn’t only to turn toward God ourselves but to invite his people into what we are carrying. We were never meant to face the brokenness and sinfulness of this world alone. The Lord desires for us to run this race together, to support and encourage one another in our walk with him.

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The call to bring others into your walk can be difficult. It’s hard to be vulnerable with your struggles and sins, and it feels easier to tell everyone we’re fine and keep everything else to ourselves. But the church is there to guide you and walk with you as you grow in your faith—pointing you back toward the Lord when something you’re carrying alone becomes too heavy.

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There is another side to all this: sometimes you will be the one who needs prayer and sometimes you will be the person God uses to pray for someone else.

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That’s one of the most beautiful things about Christian communities. We are surrounded by people that can help and support us when we are struggling, and God also gives us opportunities to carry others. We get to notice when other people are hurting and sit beside them, pray with them, and remind them of the truth when they are having trouble seeing it.

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There will be seasons when you feel strong and seasons when you don’t. There will be prayers you can barely find the words to pray. But you don’t have to pretend your way through them.  

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You have a Father who hears your every prayer.

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And he has given you a family to walk beside you.

Bringing others into the fold can be scary sometimes. We often fear the opinions of those we desire to be vulnerable with because we so desperately desire their support and assurance. Every time we open up, we risk getting hurt. But we can’t let imperfect people prevent us from seeking out a perfect God. He calls us to love him and love others as ourselves. Following these commandments means stepping outside of our comfort zones even when it’s nerve-wracking. The people around us won’t always respond perfectly, but that shouldn’t stop us from reaching out to the community God has called us into.

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So, take a moment to consider, “Are you allowing yourself to be known?”

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Are there vulnerabilities you hold close to your chest just so you don’t risk getting hurt? Are there sins you know that you’ve been called to confess, but you’ve kept hidden away? What is God asking you to bring to the light?

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Remember who the Lord is. His promises are true, and his love for you is infinite.  Take every opportunity to go to him, in your weakness, and in your rejoicing. God wants to meet you where you are at. He has people around you, waiting to love you and support you in your walk with him. Consider what the Lord is calling you to share and bring others into. Don’t be afraid to invite others into your struggles.

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Lord, thank you so much for your constant presence. Because of you, we are never truly alone. You are walking right beside us every step of the way. Teach us to rely on you, to trust in your promises even when it is difficult. Lord, we pray that you give us the courage to allow others into our struggles. Guide us to take bold steps in pursuit of a relationship with you and the community you’ve blessed us with. Help us to be vulnerable despite whatever fears we may have. We know that the ultimate call is to love you, and we can grow deeper in relationship with you when we allow our community to encourage and support us. May we chase after you with our whole heart, relying on you and those you’ve sent to help us on our way. In your holy name we pray, Amen.