The groom stands at the altar waiting. His face was radiant as he looks expectantly to his bride as she makes her way towards him. He smiles to himself, elated about the fact that in a few minutes she will be standing beside him and she will finally be his. The elegant figure- a perfect picture of beauty – will finally be a part of his life.

She marches towards him. Anxious, nervous and even a bit overwhelmed, she stares ahead, all smiles, as she breathes prayers of reassurance to herself. This is her goal, this is what she wants…but she wonders if she will make it. Around her are crowds of celebrants snapping photos and cheering her on, the roar of their praises is loud in her ear but as she walks, she does so alone. They blend in with the shadows that surround her. They seem so significant today, so supportive… yet the truth is, they have seen her journey but never really been a part of her journey – she has always done this alone. At this point, however, they are insignificant, she has found what she wants and like she has done many times before she will walk this path alone to secure what is hers. She is going to make it, NOTHING will prevent her from reaching him. NOTHING.

In this life, people are desperately afraid of being alone, afraid of being without a support system or a cheerleading squad. We want friends and family to encourage and push us and if this is not forthcoming, like a deflated balloon, we lose air and fall to the ground. Hopeless.

We must never allow our hope to become centered on people because their role is not to save us, their role is to keep us on the path to our true hope – Christ. When God shifts people, don’t panic, it’s an alignment check…who or what is your focus? In these moments we are reminded that a bride’s walk to her eternal groom is a lonely one. Family and friends may be a part of the ceremony but ultimately, the covenant is a private transaction for only two parties – you and Christ.

Read Luke 8:43-48 https://ref.ly/Lk8.43-48

This woman, like us, had issues. She had given her all but no one had been able to help (v.43). She was in a crowd, yet she walked alone. However, the moment she saw the ONE, Jesus Christ, the crowd became irrelevant. Suddenly being alone wasn’t so important anymore because it gave her freedom, wings that could propel her to Him faster!!! His back was towards her but who cared, He would never reject her. She touched Him and that was it, it was over – she was whole again. The crowd didn’t do it- they couldn’t do it- they were completely unaware of her process but He knew.

Hey…why are you crying? Is it because you feel as if are alone and no one seems to care? Your issues are overwhelming? Chin up and look ahead, look at who’s waiting. You can’t stop in the midst of your wedding procession! The crowd does not know the value of this journey. This is your investment, your dream, your covenant. Look He is smiling, arms outstretched, waiting…wanting nothing more than you. Forget everything, the photographers, videographers, the music…everything and just run to Him. He is all you need.