Not Lonely, But Blessed
Less than a year ago, I moved to California to pursue my dreams with nothing but two suitcases and a laptop.
The idea seemed pretty glamorous at first. If I were to have had a mantra at the time it would have been, “Step out on nothing so that God can accomplish everything.” However, when I made the decision to move to California I don’t think I fully comprehended the fact that nothing actually meant nothing.
I moved away from a place that I called home and gave up the comfort of having my family and friends near in order to start my life over in a state that I had never visited before and had zero connections in.
When I was younger, I use to dream about having great faith experiences with God. My favorite account of faith in the bible is Matthew 14, where Peter jumps out of the boat onto the Sea of Galilee and walks on the water with Jesus. However, lately when I read the passage my focus is less drawn to the experience that Peter had with Jesus and more towards the dynamic that Peter shared with the other disciples in that moment.
No other disciples jumped out of the boat with Peter and that made it possible for him to have an intimate experience with Jesus.
Maybe you’ve recently felt the call of God on your life to become a missionary in an unknown country. Or maybe you took on a job that required you to move out of state and away from your family and friends. Or suppose you recently broke up with your long time significant other and are struggling to picture a future for yourself that doesn’t include them.
 (1).png)
Well sis, I feel your discomfort, but let me say this-
Although being alone is far from easy it can be a blessing if perceived correctly.
May I propose to you that seasons where we find ourselves alone are in fact gifts placed in our lives to help strengthen our faith and our foundations.
So what do you do in seasons when you find yourself alone?
1. Take Inventory
This may seem like a simple task, but when was the last time you took personal inventory of your life and asked yourself questions like, “What areas can I grow in? What skills do I want to learn? Am I doing my best to reflect God’s heart?” These questions will help guide your day to day journey with God as you seek Him on how to become the best version of yourself and keep your thought life constructive.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 KJV)
2. Be Productive
Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean that you have to stop living your life. Pick up a hobby, explore a new city, learn a new recipe or get involved in your local community and church. Self-pity is a dangerous weapon and can only be combatted when we take action against it by being positive and growing.
“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazy fellow. Learn from their ways and be wise! For though they have no king to make them work, yet they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you—all you do is sleep. When will you wake up?” (Proverbs 6:6-9 TLB)
3. Build Relationships
If you are currently waiting on God to send you friendships and/or a spouse don’t wait until they show up to start being a good person. Intentionally serve those who are currently in your life, learn to be a good listener, and find any and every opportunity to sow the kind of seeds that you one day want to harvest.
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” Matthew 7:12 MSG
4. Embrace The Experience
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the fullness of God in this moment.
We must understand that God embraces our loneliest moments and wants to fill them with His goodness. God’s desire is to give us an intimate experience where our trust and dependency becomes stabilized in His presence alone.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2 NIV)
My dear sister, if you find yourself feeling lonely, I dare to you to believe the truth about your situation. The truth that you are not alone, but blessed with an opportunity to grow with God.
Maureé Sullivan
Maureé Sullivan is a Detroit native who is passionate about spreading God's love through the creative arts. She is an art director, blogger and recent college graduate who now enjoys spending her days in sunny California as a part of the Propel team. You can connect with Maureé on Instagram, Facebook and ByMaureé.com.
Join the discussion