"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Hebrews 4:15
A man said to his friend, "I'm about ready to give up trying to live the Christian life. I feel so helpless to overcome my weaknesses." His friend responded, "Surely, you don't think you are the only one. We are all that way. None of us can live the Christian life without God's help." Have you ever become defeated and discouraged about living the Christian life? Jesus, our High Priest, can sympathize with us. He was tried and tested. He knows how it feels to become weak and be tempted.
Every weakness that we have is an opportunity for God's grace to triumph in our lives. We can admit our weaknesses, knowing that the Lord really does understand. More than that, we can come to Him for grace to help in our need. He will not turn us away. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
We need not pretend that we are strong and without any weakness. We know better, and God understands. Not only does He understand, but He stands ready to give us grace to help. From the beginning and throughout the Christian life, it is dependence on the grace of God. We can confidently ask Him for help in our time of weakness. He will not fail us. His promise is sure. His grace helps our weaknesses.
Father, we come with confidence to ask and receive grace to help in our weaknesses, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
