Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the work that I have to do. Sometimes I feel discouraged when I feel the things I’m investing in aren’t yielding the results I’ve worked so hard for. Sometimes I feel hurt because I feel like nothing I do ever seems to be enough, or even appreciated. Satan often attacks me and I have to go to God with my pain and sorrow and fears. Worse than all of these, though, I think would have to be the temptation to feel alone. To feel like no one who loves me understands or cares or can do anything about it.
Reading John 6, Jesus told the people that they were only seeking Him because they ate of the loaves and were filled. He goes on to say that He is the bread from heaven, the bread of life, the bread of God. They should have loved and desired Him, but all they wanted was for Him to give them some more bread to eat, and keep giving it to them. Do you ever feel like your kids only want from you the things you give them, but don’t truly desire you yourself? That hurts. Jesus knows what that feels like. Do you ever feel rejected by your husband, like he doesn’t desire and long for you, the way you want to be wanted? Jesus knows how that feels too. Not because He ever had a husband – obviously not! – but because the things we all feel are common to everyone, and the temptations we go through are also common to man, and Scripture tells us that we have a High Priest who can sympathize with us. He was rejected by those closest to him. Those He loved wouldn’t listen to Him. He was often tired and seeking quiet, but others would find Him and crowd around Him, looking for Him to take care of them and their needs. Does that sound familiar? It brings me comfort to know that I am not alone. There is someone who loves me fiercely, understands me intimately, and has all power, and will, to take care of me and guide me through things.
Whenever Satan comes to us and tempts us to brood over the wrong that has been done to us, or to feel overcome by the great and difficult task the LORD has set before us, let us get on our knees and come to the One who knows and cares, and follow Him in His great example of laying down His life for others. Let us not grow weary in doing good, but stay faithful until the end, so we can also say, “It is finished,” regarding the work He has given us to do. And may we one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”