February 5, 2025

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:15-16

On Monday I spent about four hours at an urgent care facility with my son. Sunday afternoon he was playing football on some wet grass and slid into a concrete wall. At first, we thought he was okay. But by that evening, his knee had swollen to twice its normal size and he couldn’t put any weight on it. So, first thing Monday morning I took him to have it looked at. It was a much more difficult thing for me to experience than I expected. Over the past 7 years I have been through more x-rays, MRIs, EEGs, examinations, braces, slings, and discouraging diagnoses than I care to count. So, watching my son in pain as the doctor manipulated his swollen knee, watching him be the one in the x-ray machine, and watching him start to tear up when they said his basketball season was over turned out to be almost more than I could handle. Why? Because I knew what it was like to be in his place. It hurts…a lot!

But something else happened that day; he was encouraged and comforted to have me there. He knew that his dad, who loves him deeply, had been through much worse. He knew that the one holding his hand was someone who knew pain, discouragement, and helplessness. And yet, his dad was now standing on the other side, in many ways stronger than before.

Brothers and sisters, we have a savior who has felt the deepest pain, the most powerful temptation, and the worst rejection that exists on this earth. He has been there! And he is the one holding your hand. Find comfort in the fact that, just as he stands victorious over it all, he can also carry you through. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

Almighty God, in Your deep compassion, incomprehensible love, and intimate empathy, hold our hand in the difficult days. Comfort us in pain. Give us hope for the future.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon