Jesus
asked, “Who do you say that I am?"
When
I considered the question “Who is the Christ?” the words “friend"
and “companion” came to mind. I have always tended to think of
him as a human being. Jesus came from humble origins and spent his
life and work among the common people. This seemed to make him more
approachable to me in prayer. He endured much pain and grief in his
relatively short life. This helps me to feel that he has
understanding and compassion for our problems. Because of his
experiences, he is readily accessible to us for guidance during
difficult times.
During
my life as difficult problems arose, I always prayed for the strength
to face the problem and do what needed to be done.
And
now if I may digress... When I faced a crisis in my life a year and a
half ago, I prayed and while outwardly, I seemed able to carry on
physically and mentally, for the first time I was experiencing
emotions of vulnerability, apprehension, and fear. Was Christ trying
to tell me something? Why did my strength seem to falter? I suddenly
felt the strength that had carried me through numerous problems in
the past was eluding me.
Enter
the Presbyterian Women, who with their acts of kindness and concern
began to reinforce my strength. How comforting to exchange words with
people who had gone or were going through similar experiences and
could offer words of hope and encouragement. Gradually my fears began
to dissipate and I realized I was not alone.
“Whenever
an act of kindness is shown, God is making his presence known.”
I
am happy to report God is alive and well among God’s beloved
people!
I
think Christ was telling me that it was human to experience feeling
of inadequacy during stressful times and it was not necessarily weak
to lean on others for support. We are all members of the human race,
who are experiencing like trials and tribulations of life. From time
to time, we all need a helping hand.
Loving
God, as we continue to travel the road of life, help us mature and
grow in our Christian faith.
Jean
Stem
from
the 1995 Lenten Devotional
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