This fall my high schooler is taking A.P. World History. After school, she’ll tell me a bit about what she’s learning and give a little breakdown of the lessons on world religion. I remember learning in school about world religion. It was at this time that God was revealing Himself in some of the deepest ways I’d ever experienced. I’m so thankful that I was able to have these experiences, for it would shape my life and future decisions.
Lately I’ve been thinking about my history with God. It’s been over 30 years since I asked Him into my heart. I’m so glad I was that young, because I really needed Him in my life. I look back at the bumps in the road that people placed there, and the gnarly detours I took myself, and I stand in amazement that I’m still standing. It’s all because of His faithfulness.
During the times I want to do the wrong thing or feel I have no way out of temptation, all I have to do is remember Jesus. If He were alive today and was sent to die during our times, He’d be subject to the same temptations as us. I imagine He’d be flipped off in traffic or cussed out by the neighbor. He’d see one of His best friends’ ear cut off by the police. The same stuff He dealt with then like lying tax collectors and accusing haters, He’d find them here today. Instead of lashing out in hatred, He’d choose the high road. Would it affect him? I’m sure He felt that weight of temptation beyond belief. But look what He did, He chose not to sin.
This is the God I serve. The God that’s existed before any world history. This is the God that knows what’s up. He knows what it’s like to feel the same things you and I feel. To be betrayed, or have His reputation put in the dirt. To have one of His best friends sell Him out or deny Him. I love Him so much for this. You see, He didn’t have to take it like that. It didn’t have to go down like that. But it did. He chose it. I praise Him for it. He deserves all honor, respect, praise, and glory. If you don’t know Him, you really need to. He’s the God that knows and understands. He is Jesus.
15 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(NIV)
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