Have you ever dwelt on the fact that Jesus was “tempted (or, tested) in all things as we are?” (Hebrews 4:15) What does it really mean for Him to have taken the form of human flesh? It means that Jesus–and by extension, the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)–came to intimately share in the rigors of the human condition.

As a resident of this world, we know that temptation and suffering are an ever-present reality. And Jesus knows it too. He suffered it as we do, both in what was just quoted above and in His physical suffering and death on the cross. Yes, He understands what you are going through, not only sympathizing but empathizing with you. There’s not a thing we as humans have suffered that Jesus did not also experience in His humanity.

This is why we can have such confidence in the midst of the turmoils of life. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say in verse 16: “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” Be encouraged! God is for you, not against you.