Riding Together Through the Struggle
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:25–26 – “God has put the body together… so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
Devotional Thought:
One of the hardest lies we believe during struggle is: “I’m the only one on this bus.”
We look around and think everyone else seems to have their life together — smiling, calm, confident — while we’re just trying not to cry behind the wheel.
But here’s the truth: the Struggle Bus is a full ride.
Everyone on board is carrying something — fear, fatigue, loss, or doubt — even if they don’t show it.
The early church understood this deeply. Paul reminded the believers in Corinth that when one member suffers, the whole body suffers.
When one person hurts, we all feel it.
When one person rejoices, we all celebrate.
That’s what makes the Church so unique — we don’t travel through life solo.
We carry one another through the hills and valleys.
Your burden isn’t just yours; it’s ours.
And when we embrace that truth, something powerful happens:
Isolation gives way to empathy.
Weakness gives way to strength.
Struggle gives way to solidarity.
You may not realize it, but your honesty about your struggles might be the very thing that gives someone else the courage to keep going.
When you speak up about what you’re facing, you remind others that it’s okay to not be okay — and that healing happens in community, not in hiding.
So today, if you’re tired, lean on your church family.
If you’re strong, reach out to someone who isn’t.
And if you’re in between — keep your eyes open for those who might need a hand to hold.
Remember: the Struggle Bus moves best when we all push together.
Reflection Questions:
- Who has been on the “bus” with you through your hardest seasons? Have you thanked them lately?
- Are you honest about your struggles with others, or do you tend to hide them? Why?
- How can you be present for someone else’s struggle this week — even in the middle of your own?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for surrounding me with people who care.
Forgive me when I try to carry everything alone.
Remind me that I’m part of a body — a family — where burdens are shared and hope is multiplied.
Give me courage to be honest about my struggles, and compassion to help others in theirs.
Let our church be a place where no one rides alone.
Amen.
Daily Practice:
Send one message today — a text, call, or note — to someone you know is struggling.
Don’t offer solutions; just offer presence.
Say, “You’re not alone on this bus. I’m here with you.”
That simple act of connection can bring someone hope when they need it most.