Fighting To Breathe

Fighting To Breathe

By Joel B.

Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Have you ever felt like you were being suffocated by life? I’m sure many of you have. I can tell you from personal experience that I’ve had days like this. However, there is good news. We have a Lord and Savior, in Jesus Christ, who can empathize with our troubles, because He too was subject to weakness and understands what it’s like to be tempted. Let’s look at the facts.

Jesus knew he was going to be tempted by Satan, so how did he prepare? Well, He didn’t prepare in a way that would make sense to the carnal-minded man, but to the spiritually rooted man it made perfect sense. He fasted and deprived His body. He did this so that the Spirit in Him would be the dominant factor in His confrontation with Satan. Satan tried the best tricks in his book to include trying to quote scripture and offering his kingdom to Jesus Christ. Of course Jesus didn’t fall for the misquoted scripture or the “fool’s trade”, so He prevailed.

Let’s look at another scripture:

Luke 22:44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

What’s interesting about this verse is that Jesus is in such agony at this point that He even sweats blood, after the previous scripture mentions an angel showed up to strengthen Him. Jesus knew He had to die on the cross at Calvary, but He still realized the physical and emotional suffering that was to come. He was to be beaten severely, separated from his beloved family and friends, and be crucified. He desperately wanted the cup to pass, but knowing it couldn’t caused Him much anguish.

Friends, it’s not easy sometimes. We get stuck in situations where it feels like we’re fighting for every breath of air. However, we need to find comfort knowing that we can gather strength by resting ourselves on Christ. He knows what it’s like to struggle and have to face hard times. He’s been there and done that. Let’s just trust in Him to remove our burdens. Thank you for reading and God bless.