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He Walked A Mile In My Shoes
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
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"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16
Perhaps you have experienced a trying week, or maybe the last couple of months have taken their toll on your faith and you feel as if there is no relief in sight. Does it seem like these circumstances in your life will never end and that your strength and resolve to stand fast in the faith is quickly fading? If so, then you can sympathize with Jonah as he cried out to God in the midst of his prison in the belly of a great fish.
"…I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice…the waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains…when my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple…and the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land." Jonah 2:2,5-7,10
Now Jonah petitioned God because of his great affliction, which was causing all kinds of stress and unrest in his life. He likens the experience to being in "…the belly of hell…" and he felt like his very soul was fainting away. I'm sure it appeared to Jonah that he would not escape the fish with his life, but he petitioned God in the distress of his situation and God heard his desperate cries for help. How similar is Jonah's affliction to what you are facing right now? Do you feel beaten down and trampled upon by the world? Are you crying out to God from the depths of your distress?
Consider this for a moment…Jesus likened himself to Jonah in this passage from Matthew, "…For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:40. In essence, Jesus is foreshadowing his experience on the cross where He suffered great affliction, just as Jonah had. The remarkable thing about this is that Jesus had the power and authority to have stopped the process at any time. "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" He could have saved himself from the suffering and torment that he faced on the cross, but he submitted himself unto God and even unto death for the sake of those who would believe in Him for salvation.
Jesus didn't keep himself away from suffering and pain. He didn't keep himself away from temptation and weakness. He endured all so that he could effectively intercede to the Father on our behalf. He knows your pain, your struggle, your frustration and your hurt. He knows it all because He experienced it all-for you! He walked a mile in YOUR shoes!
"For he hath not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from them; but when he cried unto him, he heard." Psalm 22:24
Copyright 2001, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |
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