Understanding Weakness

My husband's first day of School

                When my husband first entered into his career as a teacher, I thought that by listening to his stories and his feelings, I would be able to relate to his position. Shortly after he began teaching, I began substitute teaching for the county. After being a substitute teacher for a few months I thought that I knew everything there was about being a teacher and decided to pursue a career in teaching myself. At this point, when my husband came home after a bad day, I felt confident to offer advice or tell him how I had handled difficult situations as a substitute or how I planned to handle them as a full-time teacher. Soon after this, I had my own classroom full of students and my own set of responsibilities and meetings. It was only then that I realized what it is really like being a teacher, and I was miserable. I am grateful for the experience because only now am I able to relate to being a teacher. When my husband comes home after a bad day, I realize now that most of the time what he needs it encouragement, not advice, and to feel like he does not have to face all of his problems alone.

                Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as 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 at the proper time.“ In this time, it was intimidating to approach the God who is in charge of distributing justice. Jesus, however, became human so that He could relate to us. Now we are approaching a God who understands all of our failings. We no longer have to be afraid that He will not understand because He has been through all that we are going through. He has experienced loss, failed expectations, misplaced trust, abandonment, betrayal, love, encouragement, intimidation, manipulation, and all of the other things we may face. We are free to admit to Him anything and are blessed with the great knowledge that we do not have to face this world alone.

                Am I afraid to admit parts of myself or my life to God? What do I think is too big in my life for God to understand? What do I feel alone in facing and why have I not invited God into that situation? Do I believe that God really understand me and loves me beyond my weaknesses?

                Lord, please be a part of every part of my life. Thank You for understanding of my mistakes and of my struggles. Help me to overcome any fear that I have in admitting to You when I fall short and accept the help that You offer. Amen.