Have you ever struggled in a trial, like a man staggering under a heavy load, thinking, "No one understands me—I'm all alone in this"? Paul told the Corinthians that the trials that they had faced were not unusual at all, but were "such as [are] common to man" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Solomon expressed it this way: "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Chances are that someone, somewhere, does understand. If you reach out, you may very well find answers that help and people who have been down the same path before—people who can lighten your burden with their support. Going it alone may be unnecessary and even harmful. "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

When God has seen us through a trial, we have an obligation to show our gratitude to God by reaching out to help those who are staggering under burdens that we know how to lighten. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Romans 15:1, KJV).

Likewise, when we are struggling, we ought to be able to reach out for help. Failing to reach out for help can lead to despair and needlessly turn the trial into an unbearable ordeal—but that is not what God intends for His children. "With the temptation [God] will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Look for the way of escape—the safety valve—the way to ease the trial so that you can bear it and be victorious.

Pray for God's guidance. Claim this promise: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
Ask your pastor or other trusted advisers to point you to where you can find resources to expand your understanding of the particular trial you're going through and to help you connect with people who have been through the same trial. You may find helpful material by searching the ucg.org Web site or other Internet sites related to your particular issues.

Remember the "12th commandment": Thou shalt not kid thyself. If it were a cakewalk, you'd be victorious already. Help, care and comfort are available to you. That is one reason God called you into His Church in the first place! Being there for each other is one of the fundamental purposes of the Church (Hebrews 10:24-25).

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).