Call on Jesus

August 25, 2008

By Gary Rogers

If you’ve been going through a difficult time and have wondered if anyone could possibly understand what you feel, I know someone who does. Jesus knows what it is like to be cold, hungry and without a home. Jesus was the target of false accusations. He was rejected by many and misunderstood by His family and those who claimed to be His friends. Jesus grieved the death of someone close to Him. Jesus was tempted to do things that were immoral and unethical. Jesus dealt with long hours and relentless demands and rarely had a day off. The spiritual enemy of mankind placed Jesus on his most wanted list. Jesus understands all our problems.

It’s amazing to remember Jesus is God the Son, yet fully identifies with us. Isaiah 9:6 tells us that one of the names for Jesus would be “Mighty God.” Matthew 1:23 tells us His name is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” In Revelation 1:8 Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (NKJV). Philippians 2:6 says, “[Jesus], being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” When Jesus declares He is equal with God that identification is rightfully His. He is not stealing something that does not belong to Him.

When you know that your God understands what you feel, you experience renewed faith in the midst of turmoil. Jesus is God the Son. He has always been and always will be. He is almighty. And He is still not far removed from us. He became a man, and in His humanity experienced the difficulties, challenges, temptations and discouragements of life. When you call upon Jesus, you can be confident there is Someone who understands what you feel and has the ability to bring your needed change. Keep your head up and don’t let anything rob you of your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

— Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.