November 2002
"For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:17-18)
At Christmas time we hear the name ‘Emmanuel’ which means God with us. What an amazing miracle to consider that God’s Son came to earth as a baby to live as we live. One of the benefits He gives us in this is that He knows what it means to feel human. He knows what every one of our emotions feels like. He knows what pain is, what loneliness is, what it feels like to be misunderstood, rejected by friends and what it feels like to be weak. He also knows tiredness, joy, anger, love and compassion. He knows how hard it is to ‘say no’ to an irresistible temptation.
Jesus is our friend and Savior that knows and cares when we face feelings or situations that are bigger than life. We can talk to Him and know that He listens and understands. He is not one of those so-called friends who do stuff like type their homework on the other end of the phone when we are pouring our heart out to them. He listens, cares and wants to help us through our problems. He is always there too! We can call Him in the middle of the night, early in the morning and all day through.
Pray to Him by telling Him the truth about your life and all that you’re going through. See what He might say to you too by reading your Bible and seeking the advice of those Christians that are older and wiser than you. Always know that you have a best friend in Jesus who has gone through everything already. Finally give Him praise for being Emmanuel, God with us!
Pray: Lord, I thank-you for loving me and for understanding me better than anyone else ever can. Thank-you for giving me Your Holy Spirit to help me in hard situations. Help me to be more aware of how You are truly with me.