“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” — Hebrews 4: 15-16
He Knows
Nearly every coach at the collegiate and professional level played their sport through college, and most had some sort of professional career. Since they have experienced what their players are going through, they can connect with them on a deeper level. The level of credibility and respect that comes with being a former player can be key in getting a message across. There’s something powerful about knowing the person giving you advice or guidance has been in the same position and felt the same way as you.
Jesus knows the struggles we face because He was fully human just like us. There were times when He got frustrated with people. He felt pain, both emotional and physical, during His time on earth. When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus cried (John 11). Being fully God didn’t make Christ immune to loss and sadness. Because of these experiences, Christ is able to empathize with us in a truly unique way. He understands what we’re going through because He went through it Himself.
As much as we might think God doesn’t get how hard or painful something is, the truth is that He does. We should pray with confidence knowing that nothing we say is incomprehensible to God. We don’t understand Him perfectly by any means, but He understands us.
What a blessing it is to worship a Savior who knows everything that comes with being human!
— Joshua Doering
If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.
