Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.  Hebrews 2:18 HCSB

When I try to comfort someone who suffers, I am careful not to tell them, “I know how you feel” if I have never gone through what they are experiencing.  But by the time you reach my age, you have gone through a lot.  This allows you to sympathize with someone who is experiencing heartache if you have come through a similar situation.

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that Jesus was fully man and fully God.  Jesus suffered just as we suffer today.  Jesus was tested, just as we are tested today (Matthew 4:1-4).  He suffered rejection, even his owns siblings did not believe that He was the Messiah (John 7:5)  He suffered betrayal at the hands of one of his disciples (Luke 22:3-5).  He suffered temptation by the devil (Mark 1:12-13).  His authority was challenged (Luke 20:1-8). He experienced sorrow.  The shortest verse in the bible is John 11:35, Jesus wept.  He experienced righteous anger ( Mark 21:12).    He suffered physical pain and death (Luke 23:46).

So before you get to wallowing too deep in your pity party, you need to understand a few things.  It is true that your family and friends may not be able to understand what you are going through.  But I serve a God who has been there and done that and you can too. He knows just what you are going through.  He knows just how you feel.  But it gets better.  He can actually do something about it.  Often times we vent to our friends and we know there is nothing they can do to help.  They don’t have the power or authority to change things.  But when we pray to God, we are talking to someone who can change things.  We are talking to the very One that has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).  We are talking to the very One that can work all things out for our good, if we will only love Him and work according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  We are talking to the One for whom all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

So, if you are suffering today, know that whatever it is, Jesus has been there and He understands.  Turn to Him.  He will uphold you with His righteous hand (Isaiah 41:10).  When you face temptation, know that He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to handle, but also know that He will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God sent His son to earth born of a virgin.  Jesus was fully human and fully God.  He had emotions and feelings just as we do, but he never sinned.  He never let the devil get the best of Him.  He understands what you are going through.  He wants to help you, but you must turn to Him.  You must surrender to Him.  Give your heartache, your sorrow and your shame to Him.  Trust in Him today. He knows how you feel and He can make it better.

Have a great day!