3 December | EVERYONE
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4: 15,16
Alexander the Great was dying of thirst in the desert of Gedrosia during the conquest of Persia. Caught in the grip of circumstance, he was tempted to abandon the idea of conquering the world. He felt exhausted, and his soldiers were dying one by one. He thought he had no more strength to go on and sat down in the shade of a rock waiting for the fatal moment. The story goes that while waiting for death, he saw an ant carrying a straw and trying to overcome the difficulty of a mound. He fell once, twice, three times. Alexander counted thirty-eight times until the insignificant insect managed to overcome the obstacle. Then he asked himself, embarrassed, "Can an ant be more than me?" And he got up, harangued his soldiers and, for better or worse, conquered the rest of the known world of his day.
One day the Lord Jesus became human like you and me. He faced the struggles, temptations, and challenges of this life, and He emerged victorious. He is able to understand your conflicts and frailties. That is why the biblical writer tells us today that we can turn to Him to receive His grace and mercy.
Do not be discouraged! Life is woven with struggles and difficulties. If not, perhaps living would not be challenging. When you were born, you entered the battle; you put your hand on the plow.
Then move on, overcoming the midday heat, the bitter cold of the dark night, or the icy early morning of your own inexperience. Alexander did not have God in his life, and he managed to move forward. Why would you not, led by Jesus, be able to do it? Do not be discouraged! Even if all seems lost to you. There's water at the bottom, keep digging. Many have died of thirst just a few steps from reaching the river. Just a little more, but they became discouraged, and their names were thrown to dust on the highway of life.
Take Action
Ask yourself today what moral debts you harbor in your heart, what burdens you carry with you that prevent you from moving forward joyfully and confidently. Ask God to help you locate them, and then confess them to Him without fear. Finally, walk without burdens with Jesus. Sing "Grace in Time of Need" (if possible, with your family).