Ever have a well-intentioned friend or family member say “I know how you feel” as you were going through a season of struggle? For the most part those words provide little comfort; we appreciate their attempt to encourage, but reap very little benefit from it. As a pastor, even when I feel like I know a little of what someone is going through, I am careful not to use that phrase—because I truly don’t know. But there is One who does know what you are going through, regardless of what it is you are experiencing, and His name is Jesus Christ.
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
Jesus went through everything we are going through . . . and so much more! He felt the weight and pain of sin, yet He was sinless. He endured God’s wrath, something we will never have to endure. He was separated from His Father as He hung on the cross, something we never have to experience. Regardless of what you are going through, you have Someone who can truly sympathize with you and will intercede on your behalf.
- Betrayed by a friend . . . so was Jesus
- Abandoned by family . . . so was Jesus
- Alone and disregarded . . . so was Jesus
- Slandered and gossiped about . . . so was Jesus
- Despised and hated . . . so was Jesus
- Unwelcomed and unwanted . . . so was Jesus
- Tempted and tested . . . so was Jesus
- Mocked and laughed at . . . so was Jesus
There is absolutely nothing you can experience that He has not experienced on your behalf. What a source of great comfort to know that our Lord and Savior knows exactly how we feel, because He willingly went through it Himself.
So . . . what are you going through today? What winds of change are blowing your way? What season of struggle are you in the midst of? If you pause long enough and be still before God you can hear Him whisper, “I know how you feel”—and that will make all the difference in the world! It will provide needed wind in your sails, strength in your steps, and hope for your heart.
Oh, the next time you come across someone in the midst of a season of struggle, don’t tell them you know how they feel. Tell them Jesus knows.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 