Welcome back! If you are just joining us, we are using the YouVersion Bible App to follow a devotional together. Read THIS POST to get all the information you need to join in and then you can read THIS MORNING’S POST to see the promises we are focusing on this week.
I have a deep love for the first verse we were given today but I wanted to focus my mind and heart on a verse I haven’t spent much time with before. So the verse I’m choosing this week is…
Be comforted. I perfectly understand everything you go through. Run to Me for help. Hebrews 4:15-16
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 Godʼs throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16, NIV
Can you imagine serving a God that had no understanding of what we go through? That couldn’t fathom what it meant to be tempted or put through trials? That put us down for having weaknesses? Jesus, as fully man and fully God, was tempted in every possible way we are today and yet remained clean. He never once sinned. We can be thankful for that because it means he remained the perfect, unblemished sacrifice we needed to cover our own sins. It also means that he understands! He has empathy for us when we struggle!
Christ does not look down on us for the weaknesses we posses. He doesn’t scoff when we struggle with anger, with pride, with lust, with anything. He understands and wants to offer freedom! Remember, temptations do not come from God (James 1:13); he is faithful to make sure you are not tempted beyond what you can handle and he will always provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Because of Christ’s own experience with temptation we have the ability to approach the thrown of God knowing that he will provide grace and mercy. He will pour them out when we ask. There is no condemnation to those in Christ (Romans 8:1) so we should have no fear in approaching God for help or forgiveness. He is waiting, with open arms, to give us what we need to face our temptations and beat our struggles.
Christ Jesus, I am so thankful that you understand our struggles and that not only do you understand them, but that you empathize with them! Thank you for becoming flesh and taking our place so that we may one day join you in Heaven. Jesus, I pray that we would put down our prideful ways to fix things ourselves and instead approach the throne of God knowing you will give us mercy and grace in abundance. Help us turn from our temptations and see the ways out that you give us in time to walk away from sinful choices. In your mighty name, Amen.
