Pastor Powell's Column

October 2008

An Understanding Ear

There's nothing like a friend who understands when we go through times of trial. To have someone who has experienced the same trouble, who cares about your burden, and who will take the time to listen and support - this is a priceless treasure. To receive empathy is like a ray of hope penetrating grey clouds of despair. But friends like that can seem scarce at times. Who can you turn to?

Do you experience prayer as that kind of hope? Prayer is conversing with God. Unfortunately for many, God feels like a Being who is remote and a bit nebulous in His hugeness and power. "How could he possibly understand my miniscule struggles. I am only one out of billions. How could an Almighty Creator understand what I am going through?"

The gap IS mind-numbing.

God found a way to bridge the gap. He became one of us. Almighty God took on human form. Human in every way. Not a fake human, like the person who puts on a gorilla suit. No, human in every way. So Jesus Christ is the only Mediator - the only possible Mediator - between God and humans.

What does this mean for us when we pray? "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

No matter what trouble, trial, or temptation we face, Jesus has been there. Disappointment, betrayal, poverty, pain, isolation, opposition, unfair treatment by authorities, misunderstanding, ridicule, family resistance, rumor and false accusation, religious rejection, bereavement, violence - the list goes on. And finally, death itself.

Whatever you are facing now, whatever your struggle or pain, Jesus has gone through the same kind of experience, and Jesus understands. You can pray to a God who knows the experience of human weaknesses from the inside. And He cares. He hears your prayer and has Almighty power to bring to bear on your need. Do not hesitate to come to Him. Yes, He is great and holy and resplendent with heavenly majesty. Yet he is gracious to the one who comes humbly for mercy