She Stands Alone

She Stands Alone

Glynnis Whitwer

Wiping beads of sweat from my forehead, I pushed the shopping cart toward my car, quickly unloaded my groceries, jumped into the car, and blasted the air conditioning in hopes of cool relief. After pulling onto a back-street shortcut toward home, I saw her.

She was a petite figure in a black dress standing on the sidewalk in front of a tall building. Though she faced the building, I could see she held a Bible. Her head was bowed over the cradled book as she stood in the sweltering heat. Alone.

It took just a moment to pass her, but her image stayed with me. It’s not that I haven’t seen people standing in front of buildings, but this wasn’t a bank or a restaurant. There was no bus stop in front. The young women who routinely entered this building were broken, and they weren’t going in for healing. And on that hot summer afternoon, one woman stood there praying for them.

She stood alone for what she believed God had asked her to do that day. In the heat. Enduring discomfort, odd looks, and probably some derisive comments. Some might say her sacrifice made no difference. We’ll never know. We’ll never know whose plans might have been changed by her steadfast obedience.

Moments before, I just wanted out of the heat. But her conviction challenged me to ask: For what cause am I willing to stand alone?

The sight of her touched me deeply because I know the exhaustion of battle fatigue. I’ve sat in frustration rather than standing firm. I know what weary feels like when it seems my efforts aren’t making a difference.

Some days, I’m tired of standing for what I believe in. I think others would stand taller, or with less exhaustion. They’d deal with discouragement better than me. They’d show mercy where I show frustration. Maybe someone else could—maybe they should—take over for me.

That’s when the image of this humble woman comes to mind. And the Lord says to me: You just think she’s standing alone. She’s not. I’m right next to her. And I’ll be right next to you. Keep standing.

So I breathe in and breathe out. I picture the precious sister standing in front of the building. Only this time, she’s not alone. In my mind I see Jesus standing beside her.

And on my own street, in my own life, in my own home, facing my own calling, wondering if I’m making any difference, I determine to stand another day. For a cause I believe in, for the cause of Christ, wherever He calls me to stand.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that when I think I’m standing alone, I’m not. Thank You for being my hope in difficult times, and holding me up when I want to sit this one out. Help me to remember You are a very present help in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

We can stand firm for what we believe, knowing Jesus is always standing with us.

REFLECT

Are you facing a challenge that feels overwhelming? Imagine Jesus standing next to you. What kind of help would you ask from Him?

RESPOND

Write a letter of encouragement to someone who is standing for what they believe in. Let them know you respect and admire them for their steadfast faith.

POWER VERSES

Romans 14:7; Isaiah 41:10