Tuesday, June 3, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 4

Many years ago, my middle son was dating a young lady who became pregnant. She had the most beautiful baby girl, and we were excited to welcome our first grandchild. 

Not long after she was born, we got a call that our sweet little girl had been rushed to the hospital. We all quickly followed, only to find out she had not survived. 

Not only was I grieving, but my heart was filled with anger. I wanted to lash out. I thought there was no way for me to move past my grief and anger without some kind of justice. Every thought I had and every action I wanted to take was contradictory to the example Jesus set while on this earth, but through prayer, he showed me the way. He brought me peace and comfort in the middle of one of the most trying times of my life. 

It has been 18 years since that terrible day. Every time I think of our little angel, I still feel a stirring inside, and thankfully, Jesus still shows up and guides me through. Like this verse says, he knows and understands how much I am hurting because, while he was on this earth, he faced the same testings and emotions we do.

Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

Jesus stepped into our world and experienced the weight of human pain and sorrow. This truth shows us he doesn’t just see our struggles, he deeply understands them. He knows what it’s like to be burdened and overwhelmed (Matthew 26:37-38). When we are too weak to carry it alone, he comes alongside us so we don’t have to. He is present and ready to meet us with comfort, grace, and the strength we need to keep going.  

If you find yourself in a place of weakness today, keep your eyes on Jesus, because he sees you. He knows. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross, and find comfort and rest in God’s promises and presence.  

Hebrews 12:2
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Questions: 
Can you think of a time when you were hurting so bad, you lost control?

When you are struggling, do you react, or do you take time to pray and allow Jesus to see you through it?

Next Steps:
When you are struggling, take a breath and pray. Jesus knows and understands what you are going through.

Find a Group this summer to engage with fellow Christ followers who can share their own journeys and come alongside you in times of pain and suffering.

Prayer: 
Lord, you truly are my Savior. Thank you for showing up when I am hurting. Thank you for being just a prayer away. I am so thankful you spent time on this earth so that you are able to understand all my pain and sorrow. Father, help me to show up for others when they are hurting, just as you show up for me. I am eternally grateful for your love and guidance that brings comfort and peace into my life. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

This post was written by Ned Miller, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.