Does Jesus Really Understand What You're Going Through?
Does Jesus Really Understand What You're Going Through?
2026.06.21 | Prayer Still Works: Keep Praying Through Jesus | Based on the sermon from Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses..." — Hebrews 4:15
Life has a way of making us feel alone.
Sometimes the struggle is obvious. A difficult diagnosis. A broken relationship. Financial pressure. Grief. Disappointment. Other times the struggle is hidden behind a smile, buried beneath responsibilities, or concealed by the belief that we should be stronger than we are.
In those moments, many people wonder: Does God really understand what I'm going through?
The writer of Hebrews gives a remarkable answer:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses."
Jesus is not distant from human suffering. He entered human history. He experienced fatigue, rejection, betrayal, sorrow, temptation, and pain. He understands what it means to live in a broken world. This truth matters because one of the greatest frustrations in life is trying to explain your pain to someone who has never experienced it. People may care deeply, yet still fail to understand the weight of what you're carrying.
Jesus is different.
He understands.
Not because He sinned. Not because He failed. But because He willingly entered our humanity and experienced life in a fallen world.
Sometimes the struggle is obvious. A difficult diagnosis. A broken relationship. Financial pressure. Grief. Disappointment. Other times the struggle is hidden behind a smile, buried beneath responsibilities, or concealed by the belief that we should be stronger than we are.
In those moments, many people wonder: Does God really understand what I'm going through?
The writer of Hebrews gives a remarkable answer:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses."
Jesus is not distant from human suffering. He entered human history. He experienced fatigue, rejection, betrayal, sorrow, temptation, and pain. He understands what it means to live in a broken world. This truth matters because one of the greatest frustrations in life is trying to explain your pain to someone who has never experienced it. People may care deeply, yet still fail to understand the weight of what you're carrying.
Jesus is different.
He understands.
Not because He sinned. Not because He failed. But because He willingly entered our humanity and experienced life in a fallen world.
Don't Stop Praying
Many people assume that doubt is the greatest obstacle to prayer.
Often it is something else.
Guilt.
We remember our failures. We replay our mistakes. We think about the times we should have obeyed God and didn't. Eventually we begin to believe that we need to get ourselves together before we can come back to Him.
But the gospel tells a different story.
We do not approach God because we are worthy.
We approach God because Christ is worthy.
Our confidence before God does not rest in our righteousness. It rests in Christ's righteousness.
If access to God depended on our performance, none of us would qualify. If it depended on our goodness, none of us could stand. But because Jesus lived a perfect life, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and now serves as our High Priest, believers have access to God through Him.
Often it is something else.
Guilt.
We remember our failures. We replay our mistakes. We think about the times we should have obeyed God and didn't. Eventually we begin to believe that we need to get ourselves together before we can come back to Him.
But the gospel tells a different story.
We do not approach God because we are worthy.
We approach God because Christ is worthy.
Our confidence before God does not rest in our righteousness. It rests in Christ's righteousness.
If access to God depended on our performance, none of us would qualify. If it depended on our goodness, none of us could stand. But because Jesus lived a perfect life, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and now serves as our High Priest, believers have access to God through Him.
Come as You Are
The invitation of Hebrews is simple:
Draw near.
Not after you've fixed everything.
Not after you've conquered every temptation.
Not after you've figured out all the answers.
Draw near now.
Come when you're strong.
Come when you're weak.
Come when you're celebrating victory.
Come when you're dealing with failure.
Come when faith feels effortless.
Come when prayer feels difficult.
The throne of God is called the throne of grace for a reason.
Because Jesus understands your struggle and has secured your access to the Father, you can approach Him with confidence.
Draw near.
Not after you've fixed everything.
Not after you've conquered every temptation.
Not after you've figured out all the answers.
Draw near now.
Come when you're strong.
Come when you're weak.
Come when you're celebrating victory.
Come when you're dealing with failure.
Come when faith feels effortless.
Come when prayer feels difficult.
The throne of God is called the throne of grace for a reason.
Because Jesus understands your struggle and has secured your access to the Father, you can approach Him with confidence.
The Good News for Struggling People
The Christian faith is not built on the idea that strong people find their way to God.
It is built on the good news that God came near to weak people through Jesus Christ.
The Savior who understands your struggles is the same Savior who invites you to come to Him.
So don't run away.
Don't hide.
Don't wait until you feel worthy.
Draw near to the throne of grace.
The One who understands your struggle is waiting to hear your prayer.
It is built on the good news that God came near to weak people through Jesus Christ.
The Savior who understands your struggles is the same Savior who invites you to come to Him.
So don't run away.
Don't hide.
Don't wait until you feel worthy.
Draw near to the throne of grace.
The One who understands your struggle is waiting to hear your prayer.
No Comments