God Knows What We Are Going Through
(Day 17 – 9 Mar, Mon)
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
Just the other day at work, I was speaking with one of my staff members about her career plans. Our conversation soon moved beyond the immediate demands of daily work to her future aspirations, how she envisioned her career path, and how these hopes might align with her personal circumstances and plans for starting a family.
Afterwards, I reflected on how almost every day we are talking and interacting with people around us, often trying to put ourselves in their shoes as they share their experiences and thoughts. Whether it concerns work challenges, family circumstances, the joy of a holiday, or the sorrow of losing a loved one, we constantly attempt to understand one another.
Yet each person has a different personality, perspective, and life story. Building genuine understanding and meaningful relationships is therefore complex and sometimes difficult, whether as individuals or even as a community or nation.
In light of this, it is even more amazing that our almighty God chose to understand fallen humanity not from a distance but by becoming fully human Himself. He did not simply observe us from afar or study humanity in theory. Instead, He entered our world, taking on flesh with all its frailties and vulnerabilities, and experienced the temptations and struggles of human life.
In doing so, He has given us the greatest assurance: we have a Saviour who truly understands our joys and happiness, as well as our pain and suffering. Because of this, we can draw near with confidence to Him, knowing that He is always ready to comfort and sustain us in every circumstance.
This gives us a twofold encouragement. First, we can rest in the assurance that we are loved and cared for by a God who deeply understands our human condition. Second, we are called to seek to understand others in the way Christ understands us—seeing them as He does and responding with compassion, whether they are fellow believers or those who have yet to know Him.
Today, may we be guided by the prayer of St Francis: “Lord, grant that I may seek to understand rather than to be understood.”
Leong Huat🙏✝️
Beacon Cell