Do you sometimes
wonder if God really knows what it is like to be poor, rejected by people or
sick with aches and pains. Perhaps you are asking, “Does God really understand
what I am going through?”
My friend, Jesus was
no stranger to emotional or physical pains, poverty or hardships. He was born
into a poor family. He had a smelly manger for His birthplace (see Luke 2:7).
From an early age, as a carpenter, He knew all about working hard with His hands,
standing on His feet all day long and returning home with aches in His body.
The religious leaders
of His day made life difficult for Him. They challenged His authority (see
Matthew 21:23) and tested His teachings (see Matthew 19:3). They also called Him
a glutton, winebibber, friend of tax collectors and sinners (see Matthew
11:19), and blasphemer (see Mark 2:7).
They said that He was
demon-possessed and mad (see John 10:20), put Him on the spot when they brought
an adulterous woman to Him (see John 8:2–11), attempted to stone Him (see John
8:59, 10:31–39) and accused Him of perverting the nation (see Luke 23:2).
Have you been chased
out of your home because of your Christian beliefs? Jesus understands what you
are going through. He was chased out of His own hometown (see Luke 4:29). Have
you been rejected by someone you love? Jesus also experienced the pain of being
denied by a loved one (see Luke 22:54–62) and betrayed by one considered close
to Him (see Luke 22:47–48). He also knows all about the sickness you are
suffering because He bore your sicknesses and pains on the cross (see Isaiah
53:4).
Jesus certainly understands all that we are going through because being born fully Man, He was “in all points tempted as we are.” He endured His sufferings for our sakes, so that we can have His peace and the anointing to rise above the troubles we are facing! (Article & Picture courtesy of Joseph Prince Ministries used with kind permission).
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