I couldn’t tell you how many times through the years, I’ve been approached by someone who has a difficult and maybe even life changing question to present to me for advice. But before they ever utter a word, they send out a “disclaimer.” “Pastor Rick, I have a friend and they are dealing with a situation, and I was wondering what you tell them if they were to come to you? So, I’m asking for a friend…"

We usually smile because we suspect the "friend" is actually the person asking. It's simply an easier way to discuss something personal without feeling exposed or vulnerable. If we're honest, many Christians approach God and even one another the same way.

"Can a Christian still struggle with doubt...asking for a friend?"

"Can a true believer battle fears...asking for a friend?"

"Can someone who loves Jesus still wrestle with anger, temptation, loneliness, anxiety, discouragement or unforgiveness...asking for a friend?"

The truth is, the struggle is real. Too often believers feel pressured to appear as though they have everything together. We smile on Sunday, answer, "I'm doing great," and quietly carry burdens that no one else sees. We fear that if we admit our struggles, someone may question our faith or think we're spiritually weak.

The Bible paints a different picture. The Apostle Paul openly confessed his own battle: "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." (Romans 7:19, KJV). Paul wasn't celebrating sin; he was acknowledging the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Yes, the struggle is real.

Even David, a man after God's own heart, poured out his fears, failures, and disappointments before the Lord. Elijah became discouraged. Peter denied Christ. Thomas struggled with doubt. Yet God did not abandon them. He met them with truth, grace, correction and restoration.

Being a Christian does not eliminate every struggle. It changes where we take our struggles. Since we can take theses struggles directly to the Lord, we don’t need to hide behind the “I’m asking for a Friend” but own up to the reality that You are the Friend.

Instead of hiding behind a spiritual mask, we are invited to bring our burdens to Christ. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Notice that it says "in time of need." God already knows we have TIMES OF NEED. God knows the struggles are real.

The church should be a place where broken people find healing, not where hurting people feel they must pretend. We are not called to perfection in our own strength; we are called to faithfully depend on Our Savior.

Perhaps today your question begins with, "I'm asking for a friend." Maybe the friend is battling guilt, addiction, worry, family conflict or spiritual dryness. Maybe that friend is the person staring back at you in the mirror.

If so, remember this: you are not alone, and you are not without hope. Jesus Christ still forgives, restores, strengthens and walks with His children through every valley.

So, stop asking for a friend. Ask for yourself.

There is no shame in admitting the struggle is real. The real victory is not pretending we never struggle—it is trusting Christ every day as He faithfully carries us through it.