PAIN UNDERSTOOD

Hebrews 4:14-15:3
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 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. 1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

Like many people, I had to go through wisdom teeth extraction. Being a novice at having even minor surgery, I had no idea how much misery I'd have to endure--not so much during the operation as in the aftermath. I couldn't eat or talk for days.

The wound was aching constantly and the pain was sometimes acute. It could even be felt without opening my mouth. After a week, I visited the dentist to remove my stitches and was diagnosed as having a wound infection. So I was treated with another dose of antibiotics.

During this difficult time, my mom said something that struck a chord in my heart. While watching me slowly swallow some oatmeal, she commented, "I am so glad you can eat. It hurts me to see you in pain. It is just like when I gave birth to you. The pain pierced right through my heart."

Although I know my pain was not as bad as childbirth, her comments reminded me of God's love for us. Another mother once shared with me that her daughter had fallen and ended up with a big open gash that required stitches. When her little girl fell asleep on her lap after the surgery, she looked at her daughter's wound and felt her own heart aching.

If our earthly parents feel so deeply for us, how much more does our heavenly Father!

When we go through trying times, we can come with confidence to the throne of grace. Jesus is our High Priest, who understands our pain because of what He endured on the cross. We can approach Him in prayer, knowing that He not only understands but will also give us grace in our time of weakness. --Joanna Lim

DESTINATION POINTS

* What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus as our High Priest?
* Do I sometimes feel alone when I am suffering? How do I apply today's Scripture reading to my situation? * What can I do to help my family and friends who might be going through temptations or trials?

LINKS:
How Has God Loved Us?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0102

God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108

bottom line: With Jesus, you're never alone in your trials.

soul journey