Nancy Kuhuski

“I’m with you” … These three little words rocked my world this week. A friend had reached out asking how she could pray for me regarding something I hold very close to my heart. I admitted after years of prayers and still not seeing much movement in this situation… I sometimes get discouraged. I asked her to join me in my prayer – that I would continue to pray diligently, believing and trusting our good God for the miracle needed. As she texted back “I’m with you”, I became unexpectedly emotional and silent tears slid down my face.

I was no longer alone. I’m with you said that in a place I have felt isolated and desperately alone, someone was now standing with me. The burden was no longer just mine. I truly had no idea how heavy this burden had become until someone stood next to me and was helping to lift it. Bearing this burden had simply become my normal. While heavy, it was so normal that it did not even occur to me to ask someone to help me carry it.

As a fiercely independent girl, I know that I can be my own worst enemy! I’m not sure where along the way I started to believe that asking for help translated to weakness, but I did. I’ve got my life under control, I’ve got this, I can do this by myself… it’s all pride. The truth is I desperately need other people. I do not have it all together and the burdens I bear are far too big to even attempt on my own… nor was I designed to do so! My life is a beautiful mess – and that’s okay! When I’m vulnerable and allow others to really see me and help carry my burdens, I am freed up to help carry the burdens of others – a distinct privilege!

We were not meant to do this life by ourselves. We need each other! Even God himself, modeled this when he came to earth – he was given the name God with us – Immanuel! “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23

This week’s poignant reminder has challenged me to think about how I offer to pray. What would happen if I asked – how can I join in you in praying for something you hold close to your heart? Might I too have the privilege of letting someone know they are not alone…

Where do you need to hear “I’m with you”? Where has your burden become so “normal” that you haven’t thought about inviting someone else to carry it with you? Where do you need to remember God is with you? Would you ask a friend this week how you can join them in praying for something they hold close to their heart?