31 Dec He Understands by Tamara Graff
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are – yet he did not sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-15
No one can encourage us in life like someone who has been where we’ve been. There’s just something about knowing that they’ve experienced what we have and can understand, that brings comfort.
The truth is, all of us have Someone who has been where we’ve been and can empathize with us whatever we go thru in life. Whether it’s loneliness, grief, sickness, rejection, anger – He gets it! Jesus understands! The scripture says that Jesus is not unable to empathize with us in our weakness but He’s been tempted in every way just as we are!
Sometimes we forget that Jesus lived on earth in a human body for 33 years. He knows what it’s like to be hungry, tired, frustrated, weak – to be human. He was God but He was also human, just like us. That’s amazing, isn’t it?
That’s why we can can be confident about finding His grace to help us in our time of need.
That word “help” in this scripture is an interesting word. It’s only used one other time in the Bible. It’s a nautical term that actually means to, “ frap a vessel”. It was when they would pass heavy ropes or cables under a ship to secure or hold it together.
It’s the word used in Acts 27 when Paul was in the boat during that violent 14-day storm. The scripture says they used “helps” to undergird the ship so it would make it to land.
What a great word picture for us! It reminds us that whatever storm we go thru in life, God has what we need to hold us together. He has the grace to get us thru to the other side of the storm.
As I look back over my life and I am so grateful for God’s faithfulness! He has never failed to give me what I’ve needed to get me thru difficult days and seasons.
We can be pretty sure that this new year will bring both battles and blessings; troubles and triumphs. But we also can be certain that we have a Savior who understands and will undergird us with his strength in every situation.
Thank you for serving God’s purposes so faithfully and fervently where God has called you. I pray this will be a year filled with God’s favor and fruitfulness in every area! Blessings to you and your family. Happy New Year!