“Strength for the Journey, Part Two; A Bold Request”

Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 4:1-11

Pastor Charles A. Tapp

April 25, 2020

Sermon Review

Introduction

How many times have we shared with someone a difficult and painful experience that we were going through, either as the result of a loss of a job or even greater, the loss of a loved one, only to have them respond with the all familiar words, “I know how you feel”? Better yet, how many times have we responded in kind when someone shared with us of their personal pain? Although our intentions may have been sincere, it can be one of the most damaging things that we can say to them at the time. Why? Because in essence, it can serve to invalidate their feelings. I say this because, if we’re going to be honest, none of us “really” knows what another person is going through, especially since they themselves may not know for sure what they’re truly feeling. But there is someone who does know exactly how we’re feeling. And not only does he know what we’re going through, he is able to come to provide us with exactly what our particular situation calls for. And all that is needed on our part to receive what he stands ready to give, is for us to make “A Bold Request!”         

• God has promised his believers that when we find ourselves faced with what appears to be insurmountable odds and the severest of personally painful challenges, he will provide us with his grace; a divinely ordained gift to be given at just the right time to meet just the right need in the lives of his children.   2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:14-19
• Although Jesus is the Son of God, we must never forget that he is also the Son of Man. For he not only came as God to die for our sins but he also came as a man in order that he might live our lives; subjecting himself to the same in equities and heartaches as every other member of the human race.   Hebrews 4:14-15; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

• Despite our sinful human condition, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, you and I have been given free and unhindered access in order that we might approach the very throne of God, having the full assurance that we will be given exactly what is needed at the time when it is needed the most.   Hebrews 4:16; Leviticus 16:1-19

Conclusion

Although there will be times in our lives when there is no one who truly understands what we may be going through, regardless of their well-intentioned sentiments, God will always understand and he stands ready to provide us with an endowment of his grace to meet our particular need if we are willing to place our complete confidence in him.  

Question for Reflection

Are there times in your life where you feel that there is no one you can turn to in order to find understanding other than God? But on the other hand, have you also experienced moments where you felt even God wouldn’t be able to understand what you were feeling? What did you do in these moments?

Quotes of the Week

“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

―C.S. Lewis