(The following is the October 20 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Hebrews 4 and pay close attention to verses 14-16.)

We relate more easily with people who have had similar life experiences than those who have not. For example, athletes naturally respect coaches who were successful in the sport they now coach. We have more confidence in managers who have performed the tasks they now manage others doing.

This is also the case spiritually when we battle temptations and struggles. Who will understand our situation? Others who struggle with the same issues may understand our plight but are they in a position to help us if they have difficulty overcoming the same problems? We won’t likely turn to those who haven’t experienced what we face, so to whom can we turn?

Hebrews 4 tells us that we can go with confidence before our great high priest, Jesus Christ: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens – Jesus the Son of God – let us hold fast to our confession. 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 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” (vv. 14-16).

Incredibly, sinful humans can approach a perfect, holy God through our mediator Jesus Christ. We can confess our sins and temptations knowing he hears us and sympathizes with us because he overcame every such temptation. Jesus understands and wants to help us overcome them as well. “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.”

Next Step:
What temptations, sins, and weaknesses do you need to confess to God? Tell them to the only One who has overcome all temptations.