Have you ever scrolled through the internet and come across a post describing something you thought only you did?
Like stabbing holes in your eraser with a pencil back in high school, or hiding your favorite snacks so your siblings wouldn’t find and eat them?
It’s funny how those little moments remind us that we’re not as unique as we think, we share more human experiences than we realize.
But this doesn’t stop at the fun or harmless things. It’s true even for painful ones.
You’re not the first person to lose someone you love, to face rejection from a dream job, to have your heart broken, or to start over in a new country wondering how to begin again.
Yet somehow, life still manages to make us feel isolated like no one could possibly understand.
But the truth is, there’s nothing you’re facing today that someone in the Bible hasn’t already faced.
The Bible is full of people just like us; broken, tired, uncertain, yet still seen, loved, and chosen by God. Whatever your situation looks like right now, remember this: God has been faithful before, and He will be faithful again.
Let’s look at a few examples together.
When Life isn’t going the way you planned — Joseph
Genesis 37–41
Joseph had dreams of greatness, yet life seemed to move in the opposite direction. Betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, and thrown into prison… it felt like every door closed on him. But even in prison, God’s hand was still on his life.
The ups and downs he experienced in life greatly contributed to the position he found himself later on in life. The journey wasn’t pleasant at all and at times it looked like the dreams he had would never come true BUT God was working behind the scenes!!
When You’re Waiting for your life partner — Ruth
Book of Ruth
Ruth wasn’t looking for romance; she was surviving a loss and trying to heal. Yet she stayed faithful to God and to Naomi, working humbly in the fields. There, in her obedience and quiet faithfulness, Boaz noticed her.
Just because you lost something that was good, doesn’t mean God doesn’t have something better in store for you. Ruth prepared herself and positioned herself when the time was right. She didn’t give up after losing her husband and she listened to sound advice and obeyed. God didn’t forget her, He brought the right person for her at the right time.
When You’re Facing Barrenness — Hannah & Sarah
1 Samuel 1; Genesis 18
Hannah wept in the temple year after year. Sarah laughed in disbelief. Both longed for something that seemed impossible. But when God’s time came, their wombs opened and their joy overflowed. Delay is not denial and God’s promises don’t expire with time. The God we serve is known to make the impossible possible. If He has promised something, It will definitely come to pass no matter how unreasonable it sounds and how unbelievable it seems.
When You’ve Lost Everything — Job
Book of Job
Job’s world fell apart; he lost his wealth, his health, and his children. Yet even in grief, he refused to curse God. He wrestled, questioned, and cried… but he stayed. And in time, God restored him double for his loss. A lot of us don’t even experience this kind of loss before we turn our backs on God yet Job remained faithful even after he was stripped naked. The devil tried to turn him into a laughingstock, ruin his reputation and make him turn away from God but Job remained faithful and his righteousness was restored with restoration.
When You Feel Alone or Depressed — Elijah
1 Kings 19
Elijah was a mighty prophet, but he reached a breaking point. He sat under a tree and begged God to take his life. Yet God didn’t scold him; He sent rest, food, and a still, small voice. Sometimes we’re tired….of everything and we want to give up. This too isn’t a unique experience. The same God that gives us a task, is the same one who will watch over us till the very end. If we allow Him, He will take care of us. He doesn’t shame your exhaustion, instead He restores us gently.
When You Feel Insecure or Unqualified — Moses
Exodus 3–4
This is one I struggle with every now and then. I can relate to Moses when God instructed him to guide the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses argued with God about his calling. “Who am I to speak?” he asked. But God reminded him, “I will be with you.” It’s easier said than done, we know God is with us and yet we’re insecure about our own abilities. But the moment we allow God to guide us, we realize that we were indeed capable of doing what He called us to do.
When You’ve Made Mistakes — David & Peter
2 Samuel 11–12; John 21
David fell into sin (too often for my liking), Peter denied Jesus. Both failed publicly BUT both repented sincerely. God didn’t cancel them; He forgave them, He loved them. Our worst mistakes don’t disqualify us and God’s mercy is more than enough to rewrite our story.
When You’re Afraid of the Future — Mary
Luke 1:26–38
Imagine being engaged and getting ready to start a life together with your fiancé only to suddenly get pregnant. Mary didn’t understand what God was doing, why she was chosen or what it would cost but she said yes anyway. Her obedience changed history and her name carries weight even till today. We don’t always have to have the full picture to follow and believe in God. Trust in Him and trust the process because the Lord truly has our best interest at heart.
When You’re Struggling Financially — The Widow of Zarephath
1 Kings 17:8–16
You think you’re broke? The widow of Zarephath had one meal left. Then God sent Elijah to ask for it. It didn’t make sense to her and she was awaiting her death even but her obedience opened the door to a miracle. Even in our lack, God provides more than enough. He sees our hearts, He knows our wishes, He plans ahead and surprises us beyond our wildest imaginations.
When You Don’t Know What’s Next — Abraham
Genesis 12:1–4
This is another very scary one, taking action and not knowing if it’ll end up being the best decision you’ve ever made or the worst. God told Abraham to leave everything familiar and go to “a land I will show you.” And Abraham obeyed without knowing the destination. We don’t always need to understand before we obey and it doesn’t always have to be a choice we’re comfortable with. We should dare to take a leap of faith and allow God to do the rest.
When You Feel Like Giving Up — Paul & Silas
Acts 16:22–26
Beaten, chained, and locked up, they still sang praises at midnight. Some of us have this grace while some of us don’t but all in all God shook the prison, and the doors opened. It sounds overrated but worship is a great weapon in darkness.
What are you going through that seems unbearable? That feels like you’re the only one on earth going through it?
However your story looks like right now, you’re not the first to walk that road and you won’t be the last. The same God who carried Joseph from prison to palace, opened Sarah’s womb, healed Hannah’s heart, and restored Peter’s faith. So what can’t He do for you?
Don’t give up, hold on, seek His face and when the time comes He will show you the plans He has for you.
Stay Blessed x
