15/08/2026
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
"We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but... we have one (Jesus, the Son of God) who has been tempted in every way, just as we are..." (Hebrews 4:15)
This afternoon I was waving my arm back and forth underwater, hoping the weightlessness and buoyancy of the pool would help heal the tendonitis. In the past, my husband has suffered with arthritic problems in his shoulders and elbows. He would wince when turning a certain way, even in his sleep. I believed him, that it really hurt, But I really couldn't understand it though.
I can no longer say that, thanks to the trimming of our banana tree. The dead leaves kept getting droopier, so one morning I got out the long-handled clippers. Intrepidly, I tackled my project. Somehow I forgot about banana leaves being made of incredibly strong, fibrous material not unlike nylon. I had a good grip, twisted my forearm, and pop! I could feel the burning sensation.
It is true. You really can't understand a person until you've walked in his shoes. Nor can you, I think, truly trust someone unless he's "been there, done that". In the Bible, it says Jesus understands everything about us. Everything!!! If that is so, then he has experienced all that we have. As I pondered this, the thought crossed my mind, "I don't think so. He lived a long time ago and there's no way he's gone through what I have."
Then different stories from the Bible came to mind. I thought how Jesus was shunned and rejected by not only strangers, but also by people he knew well. He was misunderstood continually, and misrepresented. He felt sadness, sorrow, and he grieved. He hurt and he got righteously angry. He loved his mom, his family, weddings and his buddies. He was even tempted to do wrong when he was tired and hungry in the wilderness. And often, He talked things over with his Father.
Each time there's a twinge of pain, my memory is jogged to recall that we have a Savior who's "been-there, done-that" and I can trust Him!
Source: The Daily Encourager
Good morning!