No man is an island.

     Have you ever been in a room alone, but you just knew you were not alone?  Have you ever been in a situation, and felt like no one even cared? Have you ever done something, and thought you got by with it?
      I have been in all these situations,  and too often I felt that I was alone.  As I was thinking about this blog, I  remembered something I heard once:  "When you accept Christ, You are never alone again."  It's one of those truths I hear, but often forget.
       Have you ever heard the expression, "No man is an island"?  My interpretation of that saying is that whatever we do affects others around us, for good or bad.  What our children or other family members do, affects us, causing us to feel pride or shame, joy or sorrow.  What our employers, or co workers do affects the rest of the organization.  What a team member or coach does affects the whole team.  But, what God has shown me is that when, as Christians we do something that is sinful, and harmful,  and that affect others, it also affects how others view God.  We are not an island, and we are not alone.
     When we are tempted to sin, we don't have to battle that temptation alone.  The Holy Spirit works on our behalf.  We need to yield to him and not to the tempter.  When  a friend is involved in sin, we have no control, and that sometimes makes us feel frustrated and alone.  That is when we can pray
" God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can , and the wisdom to know the difference."
     I am a very sensitive person, take too many things personally, and it causes problems.  I have strong beliefs, and I feel that everybody needs to see it my way.  I never understood why some would say, "It's not all about you"!  I am starting to have a better understanding as I grow in Christ.  A key to my understanding is that Christ endures all that I go through, whether it is good or bad,  because He is there all the time, not just when I choose to invite Him.  His word says,  "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13: 5-6 (KJV).          
    We are all the same to a degree, but very different as to how we choose to let God work in our lives.  We all have a free will, and can use it to our advantage, or disadvantage.   He let's us make our own  choice.   But the truth that He is making evident to me is this:  He is there all the time, and if the choices I make are wrong, he won't interfere.  He will patiently wait until I see my error.  He is always willing, and wanting to help, but He will not force the issue.
     Regarding the three questions that I asked, the answer is: The Lord is with us through all of them, and I need to ask for His help in a time of need.  Would you do this for yourselves also.