So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
(Luke 1:1-4, New International Version)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28, New International Version)
I have always wondered if Jesus gets me at all. I have questions like, does He really understand me? Does He feel my pains? Can He relate to my struggles as a young girl with the payment of school fees? How does He just sit there and watch me suffer all these basic needs? Does He understand my temptations? Why me?
Having faced many difficulties growing up in a traditional setting within a West-Africa capital city, I have felt God did not know me personally or love me uniquely. I felt this way because I struggled to get most things in life. My mother had to sell her clothes to afford my fees during my high school education. I had to walk long distances of about two and a half hours to school because I could not afford transportation. On days I did have money, I had to choose either food or a ride home from school. I felt confident that God existed, but I didn’t believe He was interested in somebody like me.
Casting my mind back now, I realized that throughout the difficulties, God was with me. His love and care were there, but I could not see it then. Pain can certainly blind our eyes and hearts. Glancing through life, I have come to appreciate God and His timing. In subtle ways, Jesus was working on my heart to show me He cares — through encouraging verses I saw on social media, billboards or even on bumper stickers. Still today, I can now see His love through even difficult moments.
The writer of Hebrews gives me a glimpse of how Jesus, my high priest, being both fully God and fully man, has experienced all that I am going through and have yet to go through. Amazing! The heartbreaks, the disappointments and delays. I can actually rejoice in this weary world because Jesus gets me. In fact, God sent Jesus to be with us, to experience and endure life on earth. Jesus understands me thoroughly!
Dear Lord, you know my weaknesses and all I go through on a daily basis. Thank you that your eyes are on me and you empathize with me. Help me to live a victorious life through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Why does God allow suffering? Explore more about how God has experienced suffering and why He understands your pain.
Comfort Arthur was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, and serves with the Great Commission Movement of Ghana as someone who loves using technology to solve problems in the body of Christ. She loves to teach and take on new challenges.
Get some ideas to turn holiday conversations — from Christmas to New Year's Day — toward Jesus.
©1994-2023 Cru. All Rights Reserved.
