Finding the Jesus Who Meets Us in Our Wrestling
ABBY MCDONALD
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“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
I knew the answer before I even prayed about it. I felt it in my spirit: Not this season. Not yet. But instead of surrendering to God’s will, I tried to twist His arm a little bit.
Can’t You see the stress I’m under here, God? Could You maybe change Your mind?
But He didn’t.
In my disillusionment, I couldn’t see what good could come from our family’s situation. For months, we’d been dealing with the financial strain of trying to sell a house in an upside-down market. God had been faithful to provide for our immediate needs, but I longed for release from this burden.
When I didn’t get the answer I wanted, I felt as though He was distant and removed from my situation. But the truth is He knew all the emotions I was feeling — because Jesus has felt them too.
When I think of Jesus, I sometimes wrestle with the fact that He is a person and has experienced human struggles and frustrations. Perhaps you do too? When we read Scripture, we sometimes tend to focus on His divinity rather than His humanity. While it’s important to see Him as set apart and holy — because He is God — Jesus is also human, and that's what makes Him able to empathize with us.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus battled the same temptations we do:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15, emphasis added).
When we don’t recognize this truth about Jesus, He seems distant and removed from our struggles rather than present in them. We may remember Him conquering sin but forget how, in His darkest hour, He was grieved in His human nature and wanted a way out of suffering. He carried out His Father’s will on the cross, but do we realize His human desire for a different, less painful plan?
Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NIV). Jesus’ surrender to the Father was not mechanical but intentional.
When we acknowledge that Jesus is both human and divine, knowing He can relate to our struggles, we can connect to Him on a deeper level.
I finally came to Jesus with my frustration, and I didn’t feel chastised. Instead I felt comforted. Even though my family’s situation didn’t change, I found the grace I needed to get through it.
Friend, if you’re struggling to see Jesus in the hardship you’re walking through today, can I encourage you to be honest with Him about it? He is not annoyed by your requests or needs but attentive to each one.
God, thank You that Your Son did not become half human but fully human while remaining fully God. Thank You for meeting us in our weakest moments. When we’re tempted to turn away, may we run to You instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Some seasons make following God feel easy. Others make it feel impossible. If you’ve ever thought, Why is this so hard? Did I mishear God? … you’re not alone. Our new study, Ezra & Nehemiah: Following God’s Call Even When It’s Costly, meets you in the middle of that fear, discouragement, and uncertainty, helping you take faithful steps even when obedience feels costly. Over six weeks, you’ll find courage, recognize God’s guidance, and rediscover trust in Him. Don’t ignore the stirring in your heart. Walk with us through this study as we move forward with God together.
ENGAGE
Do you feel stuck in a decision you need to make, doubting your ability to hear from God? Learn more about Abby’s book, Surrendering Certainty. You can also connect with her on Instagram.
Let go of patterns of insecurity with Abby’s “5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge.”
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Hebrews 5:7, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (NIV).
Do you have a hard time believing that Jesus knows your pain and your struggles? How do you think your relationship with Him would change if you did? Tell us about it in the comments.
© 2026 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
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