Every day is a new day to be different. How we decide to define different is up to us. Jesus made a difference in the world by offering love and peace. Jesus’s lived on this earth. Jesus suffered what we suffer. Jesus laughed, cried, and rejoiced. Whenever we go through something, we can take counsel in Jesus knowing that he too experienced both the happiest and darkest of times. He was a light in a dark world.
Take counsel, Jesus knows what you are going through
- Baptism: Jesus said, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3: 15). We should walk in Jesus’s footsteps.
- Temptation: The devil tempted Jesus too. After Jesus got baptized, the devil tempted Jesus three times. Satan insisted Jesus to convert stones into bread, throw himself down to be rescued by angels, and bow down to him. However, all three times, Jesus resisted the devil. The next time we have a temptation, we should be confident that we can overcome anything because Jesus did too.
- Weeping: Yes, Jesus wept as well. When Lazarus, a dear friend, died, Jesus also cried. If you have ever experienced the death of a loved one, Jesus knows your pain. He knows what you are going through. Talk to him, for he cares and offers comfort in very times of trouble.
- Persecution: Whenever he preached, healed, or offered love, Jesus was persecuted by the religious leaders. However, Jesus continued to fulfill his ministry and offered words of
kindess and sincerity.
- Rejoiced: Through it all, Jesus never forgot his call to this world. The Bible says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I encourage us to walk in Jesus’s footsteps.
Jesus walked on Earth. Nothing nor northing should scare us. Yes, this world is hard, but Jesus went through everything too. Regardless of whatever we face in life, we can rejoice because God has our backs and can empathize with us.