Just Talk to Him

Scripture: 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. Hebrews 4:15

Observation: Jesus understands "the human condition." Part of the miracle we celebrate this time of year - the birth of Jesus - is that he was, in fact, born as a human being. He grew up, became a man, a lived a hard life complete with poverty, want, hunger, longing, ambitions, temptations, frustration, anger, hurt, friendship, pain, desire, suffering, humor, fear, joy, and death. He had a family and friends whom he loved, and he had enemies who attacked him. There was a large crowd around him that hated him, and those closest to him often failed.

In other words, he knows what I am going through.

Application: If I have a savior who completely understands what I am going through - who is able to empathize with my weaknesses and my own frustrations - why don't I just ... talk to him more?!?

Prayer: Lord, I need your help. I need to turn my problems over to you, and have you guide me through the anger and frustration, or even show me what I need to completely let go of and just relax.

I have so many problems here at work, with people who prevent me from progressing due to their inability to simply execute on their jobs. I do not know why they fall short - maybe they have a personal issue I should be helping them with, or maybe they simply can't do their jobs. But I get angry, and then I hurt others' feelings and I fail ... I fail at the most important of your directions, simply loving others. Please forgive me for that sin. However, please also teach me how to handle those situations.

How did you handle Peter when he disowned you? How did you handle Peter, James and John when they couldn't just sit there and stay awake? How did you handle the crowd in your own town who refused to believe in you and thus prevented you from performing miracles? How did you handle the disciples who couldn't understand basic parables? These were you chosen friends, and they fell short.

Please teach me that kind of patience and love, where I can correct as appropriate, prioritize the person over the work, and become your light to my coworkers.

Amen.