Feeling Our Pain

A poem in the late 1800s said we shouldn’t judge a man unless we’ve walked in his moccasins. If God has never worn our shoes, we might find it difficult to believe God understands our problems and feels our pain. The Bible says he understands us, even knowing our thoughts, but what do we have beyond the words of a few writers? Jesus had God for his father, making him divine, and his birth through the virgin Mary made him fully human. God in human flesh was so much in touch with our pain that he gave his life so we might be free from sin and live without pain.

Although Jesus was God, he did not act like he was better than everybody else. Instead of coming in royal attire, asking to be served, he worked as a lowly member of the servant class. — Philippians 2:6–8

Ten Thoughts to Ponder

1. God’s way is always the best way, because it is that way.
2. When everything is surrendered to the Lord, we don’t have to suffer the pain of great loss.
3. Christians are not limited to this life, because they have all of eternity to work God’s will.
4. Never underestimate small steps, because they will determine where you are going.
5. After doing all I know to do, I’m desperate for God’s help to know what to do.
6. If I want true success, God is my best Mastermind resource.
7. If doing good made people righteous, then Jesus didn’t have to die. He died because we must be good, not just do good.
8. I only have value when God uses me to fulfill his purpose.
9. My significance became significant when God changed me from nothing to something.
10. Without comparison, measuring value is impossible.

Questions for Further Thought

• How would you react if Jesus were to appear before you now?
• What does “access to God through Jesus Christ” mean?