Today I’d like to ask you this: If you’re going through something really tough, have you talked to someone about it?

Talking to someone about your situation can be hard. It can be difficult to verbalize your feelings. Or maybe you doubt if it will do any good.

But one of the reasons I think many people don’t reach out is because they (a) don’t want to admit that they’re human and need help, (b) think it makes them seem weak, or (c) wonder if they’re a “bad Christian” because they don’t have it all together.

But James has a very matter-of-fact way of saying things: “We all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2). Yup. ALL of us. None of us have all our ducks in a row (even if we pretend to).

Even still, many people go on pretending to be perfect, acting as if stumbling is something other people do, but ever themselves.

As a result, they suffer in silence.

But think of all the biblical passages about encouraging one another like 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25, Acts 20:21, and Romans 12:8. Well, sometimes you’re giving the encouragement, and sometimes you’re getting it.

“We all stumble in many ways.” Life isn’t always smooth sailing. If you’re going through something tough, talk to someone about it.

You probably won’t talk to someone about your problems if you’re too busy pretending to be perfect.

By Matthew Ruttan

–This Sunday I start a new teaching series called “Armageddon: What we know about the end of the world (and the difference it makes).” Here’s a 39-second video about what to expect. I’ll be interviewing Dr. Brian Irwin. Close to Barrie? You should come!

–Did you read today’s devotional and say, ‘Well, what about when Jesus says we should be perfect? I don’t think that passage applies in this context. Here’s why (click here).

–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday – Friday) and returns on November 18.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.