A God Who Gets It: Finding Comfort in Someone Who Understands
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses... -Hebrews 4:15 NLT
Have you ever gone through something really difficult, but there were people alongside you who had been through the same thing? It really makes a difference to have someone beside you who understands exactly what you're going through. Friends and family can still be supportive and helpful if they haven’t been through a similar situation, but there’s something special about those who have.
It's so easy to say the wrong thing when someone is going through a difficult time. I have had people say, “I wish I had what you have so I could lose weight.” Or “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but at least you look fine.” And the amount of advice I’ve gotten, ranging from somewhat helpful to completely bonkers, would probably astound you.
Then there are people who have gone through or are going through the same thing. My beautiful friend, Gloria, went through chemo and surgery at roughly the same time as me. We became a support for each other. I, in turn, try to offer that same understanding to friends who are also facing similar diagnoses. When you’ve been there, you understand the pure terror your body and mind feel every time you have a scan to check if everything is still clear. It doesn’t matter how many Bible verses you repeat to yourself, your body still remembers. Having someone in your corner that understands and can offer support and prayer during those times really helps.
That is one of the reasons Jesus came to this earth. He came to live this life. To understand fully what it is like to be human. He went through the suffering and pain that we endure. He suffered temptation and trials just like we do.
15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. -Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT
We can come boldly to God with your requests because we have a God who understands. He understands us being in the midst of a trial and crying out to Him for help. He understands how hard it is. He gives us mercy and grace because He is a good God and He understands.
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. -Hebrews 2:18 NLT
Jesus experienced the ultimate test and suffering as He faced the cross. He begged God three times to make a way for Him not to have to go through the cross and the punishment for sin.
7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. -Hebrews 5:7-8 NLT
Even though Jesus had to go through the agony of the cross and the punishment for our sin, Hebrews says that God heard His prayers. There was a point to the suffering. Jesus learned obedience to God’s will through the pain and surrender.
We may not and probably won’t understand why we have to go through some of the things we endure in this world. Hopefully someday God will reveal to us how He heard and answered us through the hard times. Hopefully He will show us how we came through better than before.
In the meantime, hold on to the promise that we have a God who understands and is merciful to us. He hears us even when it doesn’t feel like it. He puts people around us who can help support us through the journey. He never leaves us or forsakes us.
Reflect
• Have you had a faithful friend who has helped walk you through a difficult season? Send them a quick text telling them how thankful you are for them.
• How has God been there for you through your trials and struggles?
• How can support someone else in your circle?
Prayer: Jesus,
Thank You for coming as a human to save me and to experience what it is to be a human like me. I am grateful that you understand fully the suffering and trials that we go through. I ask for Your mercy today as I go through my own struggles. Please help me surrender to Your will while never giving up hope. Help me to always feel Your loving presence with me.
In Your name, Amen.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! How have you experienced the support of caring friends? What are your best tips for people who want to be supportive? Share your experience in the comments below.
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