It would have been impossible to do the wave at the college football game between the Washington State Cougars and the San Jose State Spartans in Pullman, Washington, on November 12, 1955.

Why? Because the paid attendance for this contest was one. Not one hundred thousand, not one thousand, not one hundred.

Just one.

It seems that a bitter snowstorm made the faithful stay away in droves, leaving a single fan to root the team on.

Although college football games are not usually where it happens, life is full of instances where you have to stand alone. And it is seldom easy.

Perhaps you recall the old TV commercial in which the nerdy bicyclist mistakenly shows up for a race all decked out in his helmet and racing spandex, only to be met at the starting line by a bunch of grizzly-looking guys on REAL bikes—Harley-Davidsons. He was all alone because he forgot to “phone first.” That’s another picture of how it feels when you are all alone.

Despite the inconvenience and the anxiety that standing alone causes, the Bible indicates that those who do stand up for what is right will receive God’s approval and help. For instance, it wasn’t easy for Shadrach and his two buddies to stand when everybody around them was bowing down to an idol. But they were protected by the Lord.

Although you won’t face a fiery furnace for your stand, there are consequences. Refusing to participate in fraudulent practices may cost you a job. Espousing creation might raise the ire of a science instructor. Witnessing might anger fellow workers. Standing alone and standing out is tough, but it might be the only way to show others that you’re not afraid of standing up for God.