Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
Even when the world and our work are chaotic and complex, when there are many barriers to success, Jesus is strong and unchanging. He meets us where we are. Each of us can talk about how we have seen God come through and meet us in our lives and circumstances.
I like to take photos to remind me of happy memories with people and interesting experiences. Looking through my photos, you might think life is always fun and stress-free. What if I had a stress album filled with snapshots of my worries and concerns? That kind of photo album would have more pictures that would tell a different story than my actual photos.
The truth is that both stories exist at the same time. There are blessings and joys, and there are worries and concerns. Jesus is with us through the highest highs and the lowest lows. The “snapshots” of life are true for a moment but not forever. God is at work, even in the darkest of times. He is providing for us and protecting us. He loves us and is with us to bring comfort and counsel. The hard times are not evidence that God has forgotten us. Far from it! Without those challenges, we would not have experienced the power of God to save us and his provision, which comes in his perfect timing. These struggles are invitations to dependence and opportunities to see his power revealed!
I have taken photos of family celebrations and ministry events in the past few days. The photos tell joyful stories of praise. At the same time, I have grieved my father’s loss of memory as he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. I have experienced a horrible physical reaction to medicine meant to protect me, and my garage door broke, which resulted in an unexpected, costly repair. I know I am not alone. I would love to sit down with you over a cup of tea or coffee and hear your happy stories of praise and weep with you over your griefs and pains. Jesus is there with us in both parts of our lives. He never leaves us. He never forsakes us. He rejoices with us, and he cries with us. All the while, he sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you and for me.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the blessings and the pains. Invite Jesus to meet you right where you are and thank him for both the joys and the pains, for it is through both that we know how deeply he loves us.
