IMMANUEL—GOD WITH US
It’s the beginning of Advent. Christmas. Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
What a joy to know that God in Christ became a man, came to this earth so we could know Him, His character, love, and holiness. And that through Jesus’ death and resurrection we can enjoy life in His presence for all eternity.
A Challenging Week
It’s been a different kind of week for us.
I have bone-on-bone on a kneecap, so sometimes use a cane for support as I walk. I feel awkward, slow, frustrated.
Don was in the ER four and a half hours Friday to check some difficulty breathing and swallowing. It doesn’t appear critical but we have some follow-up tests scheduled.
But God Became One of Us
The temptation is to become discouraged. But God is with us because the One who is fully God became fully man, and therefore understands our needs.
“Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”
—Hebrews 2:17-18, NLT
God is With Us
Immanuel is with us. He was with Don and me in the ER through the care we received from the attending doctors and nurses and their thorough examination through tests and x-rays. He is with me when my knee gives me a jolt of pain, and I think perhaps this will make me more compassionate toward others in pain. I don’t always like it–well, I never like pain! But God’s purpose goes beyond my pain.
God doesn’t waste our suffering. He loves you and me. And He understands what it is like to be human.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
—II Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT
If you have a few extra minutes, listen to Phil Wickham sing, “This is our God, this is who He is, He loves us.”
Related article on my blog: Christmas Wonder
I love that you know God’s purpose is infinitely wise and compassionate–even when it involves suffering. I pray that you and Don will get help and healing!
So true, Ruth. Thank you. It was great to talk with you for even just a few minutes today. Blessings!
You are so right about suffering. It stinks at the time, but the empathy and compassion for others we learn is invaluable. Most of all we learn to lean on Jesus. Remember singing that song, “Learning to lean”?
You and Don have been much on my heart the past two weeks. Praying for both of you.
Sue, your comment is so appreciated. And yes I remember “Learning to Lean”. Didn’t we sing that together at Mount Hermon when we vacationed together years ago? Such a precious song. And Don and I deeply appreciate your prayers for us. It’s wonderful how God puts us on friends’ hearts just at the right times. Love you!