Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 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. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
This week, my husband and I were in a Zoom meeting with one of our church deacons, and we discussed the Articles of Faith. We started talking about Jesus’ mediatorial roles as the Son of God. Jesus came to this world to save mankind, and in the process, He experienced human nature without sin. He took the lowly position to feel like us, share in our pains, sufferings, and temptations. Now, He is glorified, sitting at the right hand of God! There are MANY scriptures that remind us that Jesus is interceding on our behalf! A question came up, and as the elderly man was explaining, he mentioned an advert that says, “Try walking in my shoes for a mile,” which was hilarious, especially because he sang it 🤣. We joked about trying another person’s shoes, or about others trying ours (metaphorically), and seeing if one mile would be barely walked…haha.
No one would love to walk in your shoes, but Jesus will actually walk for you!
During the conversation, it was an amazing insight after God helped me realize how He is willing to help and intercede in every detail of our lives, if we let Him. He is perfect for it, He understands and therefore empathizes with us. Sometimes we totally forget our blessings as children of God on applying the promises of God to every aspect of our lives, including grad school!!!
Today is a reminder of how Jesus loves us so much and the beautiful reality that follows handing things over to God. You can’t do it alone….you know that right?
Talk to Jesus and hand it over to Him
We have a lot going on in school, and we get so overwhelmed. Many times, we go through feelings of not being good enough, failed experiments, results taking too long, struggling with classes, relationships, finding the next funding, managing committee, dealing with PI or colleagues, life after school, what’s next in our career, making mama proud, and many others…let’s just summarize into life’s stuff. It is hard to talk about these things, and many students walk around, inundated with thoughts in their head which consumes them. People try to find solutions on their own that are not enough to tackle situations. Such methods don’t deal with the root issues and leave the individual still longing for something more. Well, what about trying the supreme one who created all and knows all things? God is not just the great father in heaven, whom you cannot disturb with trivial or mundane matters. He loves to be part of every detail, the bible tells us that. The assurance is Jesus’ listening ears and saving grace, helping you through it and showing you a way out. Having trouble in school or in a stalling situation? Why not talk to Jesus about it? You will be surprised by how doors start to open, and ideas spring up from nowhere after saying a simple word of prayer. The bible talks about our inadequate prayer system, which is true. We get lost for the right words to say, or simply complain, beat around the bush, get distracted, or even just pray for the Lord’s will for us, but the Holy Spirit helps refine our words, and Jesus presents our case to God the Father on our behalf. That’s awesome!
This beautiful hymn talks about what a friend we have in Jesus as He bears all our sins and griefs. It’s a privilege we all don’t use enough to carry everything to Him in prayers in exchange for a peaceful-worry-free life.
I won’t write so much because that will not help as much as you’d like, but I’d love to share these scriptures as a reminder that handing things over to God is the best way to go in grad school and, of course, in life. There is a difference between success and good success; Jesus makes the difference!
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 (NIV).
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV).
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14 (NIV).
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV).
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 (NIV).
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV).
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
