EVERYONE IS FIGHTING A BATTLE: A BATTLE YOU CAN NOT SEE.

 

EVERYONE IS FIGHTING A BATTLE YOU CANNOT SEE.

By Ikechukwu Frank

He Called Again and Said, “You Haven’t Sent It”

He had asked me to send my account number. But I hesitated. Something within me held back, perhaps a mix of caution, discomfort, or maybe pride. I told myself I’d do it later. Days passed—three days to be precise—then my phone rang again. It was him.

“Ikechukwu,” he said, trying to sound casual, “you didn’t send the account number.”

I quickly apologized and sent it. But the next thing I heard from him shook me.

“I’m at the mechanic,” he texted. “I’ve been stranded with my car for days now. I just needed a way out.”

His message pierced my heart. I sat there silently, overwhelmed with the weight of what I didn’t see. I had assumed it was just another casual request. But behind his words was a cry—subtle, quiet, almost invisible.

That day taught me something: everyone is fighting a battle you cannot see.

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I. The Concept: Hidden Battles in a Public World

We live in a noisy, busy world where smiles are polished and appearances deceive. But behind every person you meet is a story—some are bruised, others are broken, and some are barely hanging on.

People walk into church in suits and fine shoes, but their spirits are worn. People laugh on social media, yet go to bed weeping. Even those who seem to have it all together may be going through valleys they cannot articulate.

"For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7b, KJV).

The battle may not be visible, but it is real—be it financial distress, emotional trauma, marital tension, spiritual dryness, or physical illness. It is easier to assume people are fine than to ask and care.

An old adage says: “Still waters run deep.” Another wisely states: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

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II. The Dimensions of Hidden Battles

Hidden battles come in layers, and they manifest in different dimensions:

1. Physical Dimension:

Sickness that does not show on the skin—fibromyalgia, chronic pain, early-stage cancer, autoimmune diseases—these are battles some face daily.

2. Mental and Emotional Dimension:

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and loneliness often come with no outward sign. A smiling face may be masking an ocean of sorrow.

3. Marital and Relational Dimension:

Behind the photos of “couple goals” could be a marriage fighting for survival. Behind a mother’s smile may be a husband who has walked out, or a child she’s worried sick about.

4. Spiritual Dimension:

Even the strongest Christians can be in warfare. Elijah called down fire from heaven and then sat under a tree begging God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). Sometimes, even fire-calling prophets break.

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III. Keys to Navigating Life with Compassion

Understanding that everyone is fighting a battle you cannot see should cultivate a deep well of compassion within us. Here are key attitudes to embrace:

1. Sensitivity:

Don't rush to judge. Be quick to listen and slow to assume. Proverbs 18:13 says, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

2. Kindness:

A kind word, a smile, a listening ear—they cost nothing, but they may be the only light in someone's day.

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24, KJV).

3. Generosity:

If someone asks you for help, consider that they may have come to you as a last resort. Be generous. God doesn’t bless us just to fill our barns but to be channels of mercy.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27, KJV).

4. Prayerfulness:

Intercede for others. You may not know what they are going through, but prayer breaks yokes you cannot see.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed…” (James 5:16, KJV).

5. Presence:

Sometimes, the best gift is just being there. You don’t need eloquence to comfort; your presence is enough.

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IV. Why This Matters: The Importance of Compassion in a Broken World

The world is aching. Our cities are filled with people wounded by life. Suicide rates are rising. Emotional isolation is growing. Betrayals are everywhere. Yet we walk past each other as if we are untouched.

If we can embrace this one truth—that everyone is fighting a battle you cannot see—we will treat people differently. We will:

Judge less and understand more.

Speak less and listen more.

Assume less and ask more.

Criticize less and encourage more.

Jesus understood this. He looked at the multitude and “was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, KJV).

Compassion doesn’t mean solving everyone’s problem—it means seeing them, feeling with them, and doing what you can.

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V. The Pain of Neglecting This Truth

When we fail to recognize the silent battles others are fighting, we:

Hurt people more than we help them.

Miss divine opportunities to be a blessing.

Misrepresent the love of Christ.

Allow our pride and prejudice to make people feel smaller.

Neglect breeds loneliness. An adage says, “The deepest wounds are not caused by swords, but by silence.”

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VI. What Should We Do?

1. Examine Your Heart

Ask God to help you see people through His eyes.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, KJV).

2. Cultivate Empathy

Learn to pause and ask, “How are you really doing?” Don’t rush people.

3. Practice Quiet Generosity

If you sense someone is in need, don’t wait for them to beg. Reach out.

4. Choose Encouragement Over Criticism

Everyone is already carrying something. Let your words be a lift, not a load.

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VII. When You Are the One Fighting the Invisible Battle

You may be the one whose car is stuck, whose bank account is empty, whose marriage is on life support. Let this be your comfort:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, KJV).

God sees what no one else sees. He knows. He cares. He delivers. Even when people fail to notice your pain, the Lord is touched by the feeling of your infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).

Don’t lose heart. Your silent suffering is not invisible to God.

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VIII. Final Thoughts: Let Love Lead

A simple act—like remembering to send your account number—might be the rope someone is hanging onto. I didn’t know my friend’s situation. But God knew. And now I do.

The next time someone asks you for something, don’t just evaluate their words—ask the Lord what their heart is crying for.

Let this be our prayer:

“Lord, teach me to see what You see, to feel what You feel, and to respond as You would.”

Let us go through life not just with our eyes open, but with our hearts awakened—because everyone is fighting a battle you cannot see.

A man may be laughing but dying inside. A woman may be dressed in beauty but clothed in sorrow. A friend may sound okay, but be desperate for help.

Be the voice of hope. Be the hand of help. Be the heart of compassion.

As the saying goes, “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.” Better still, let love lead.

For as Galatians 6:2 says:

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Let your heart be the lens through which you see others.

By Ikechukwu Frank