When Life Feels Overwhelming, Remember This

Jesus, Our Great High Priest: Finding Strength, Mercy, and Grace in Him

When Life Feels Overwhelming, Remember This

Some days, life feels unbearable. The weight of stress, pain, and uncertainty drains our strength. We wonder if anyone truly understands what we’re going through.

But here’s the good news, Jesus does. He isn’t distant or detached from our struggles. He has felt pain, betrayal, and exhaustion. He has walked the same road we travel.

That’s why Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us of a powerful truth: Jesus is our Great High Priest. He understands our weaknesses, and He offers mercy and grace when we need it most.

So, how can we hold on to this truth in our daily struggles?

Michelle’s Story: A Mother’s Desperate Cry for Help

Michelle never imagined she would be sitting in a police station, handcuffed and accused of hitting her teenage daughter.

For years, their relationship had been strained. Arguments escalated daily. Her daughter, Jasmine, had started skipping school, staying out late, and ignoring Michelle’s authority. One night, after another heated argument, Michelle lost control and slapped her daughter. Jasmine called the police.

The shame and fear were overwhelming. Michelle was arrested and charged with child abuse. Her heart shattered. She never wanted to hurt her daughter, she just didn’t know what else to do.

In that moment, sitting alone in a cold jail cell, Michelle cried out to God. “Lord, I don’t know what to do. I’ve failed as a mother. Please help me.”

Jesus Knows What You’re Going Through

Michelle felt hopeless, but God was already working.

Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus understands our weaknesses. He was “tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin.” He knows what it’s like to feel sorrow, rejection, and pain.

Like Michelle, Jesus experienced betrayal from those closest to Him. He understands what it means to feel abandoned and misunderstood.

While Michelle was waiting for her court hearing, she started reading her Bible again. She meditated on Hebrews 4:16:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

She realized that instead of trying to fix things on her own, she needed to surrender the situation to God.

Boldly Approach the Throne of Grace

Michelle didn’t know how her situation would turn out, but she made a decision, she would trust God, no matter what.

She prayed for forgiveness and asked God to restore her relationship with her daughter. She also reached out to her church for support. A group of women from her Bible study started praying with her, encouraging her to believe that God could turn this around.

And He did.

Miraculously, the case against Michelle was dropped. Jasmine, after spending time with a counselor, began to soften toward her mother. They started attending church together and working through their issues with a Christian counselor.

It wasn’t an overnight fix, but God was healing their broken relationship.

Jesus, The Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Life is a race. Some seasons feel like a sprint, while others feel like an uphill marathon.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to “lay aside every weight” and keep our eyes on Jesus. He endured the cross because of the joy set before Him. He knew His suffering wasn’t the end of the story.

Just like Michelle, we all face moments where we want to give up. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, He gives us the strength to keep going.

Michelle learned that trusting God meant surrendering control. She let go of her guilt and fear and allowed Jesus to work in her life. Today, she and Jasmine have a stronger bond than ever.

If God can do it for Michelle, He can do it for you.

What This Means for You Today

Jesus isn’t just a distant figure from history. He is actively present in your life right now.

• Feeling weary? He offers rest (Matthew 11:28).

• Struggling with temptation? He provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

• Overwhelmed by life’s challenges? His grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9).

But here’s the key, you must come to Him. Just like a runner must take the next step to finish the race, you must actively seek Him in prayer, Scripture, and faith.

Interactive Section: How Do You Approach God?

Let’s reflect. How do you usually approach God when life gets hard?

🗳 Poll: Which describes your response in difficult times?
1️⃣ I run to God immediately.
2️⃣ I hesitate, feeling unworthy.
3️⃣ I try to handle things alone.
4️⃣ I pray but struggle to trust.

Final Encouragement: Hold Fast to Your Faith

Faith isn’t about never struggling. It’s about holding on to Jesus through the struggles.

Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.” That means trusting that God is good, even when life is hard.

So today, bring your burdens to Jesus. Hold fast to your faith. Come boldly to the throne of grace. And remember, He is always with you.

What stood out to you most in Michelle’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!