As we each seek a true relationship with the Lord, we might wonder how in the world we can relate to Jesus or how He can relate to us. We may think that because He is so mighty, He cannot possibly understand what we are going through. We wonder how He can fathom the depth of our pain, anguish, and failures, as well as the disappointments of friends and family. He can understand because He experienced everything we face while He was here on earth. He loves us so much that He left the comfort of His heavenly home to live among us.

Jesus was subjected to everything we endure. He was tempted several times in the wilderness. In the garden of Gethsemane, prior to His arrest, Jesus experienced true anguish. He was “deeply distressed and troubled…overwhelmed with sorrow” (Mark 14:32-34 NIV). He felt the disappointment of His friends as they fell asleep after He had asked them to keep watch and pray in the Garden. He also experienced disloyalty from Peter, one of His dearest friends, who denied Him three times. He suffered humiliation and the ultimate physical pain firsthand on the Cross.  Jesus understands all of our pain and suffering. He urges us to seek Him, and He promises that we will find Him if we search with all of our hearts.