When You Don't Know What To Do

​Life often confronts us with situations that leave us feeling unsure and overwhelmed. Moments when we face the loss of a loved one, betrayal by a friend, or health challenges that persist, no matter how much we pray. These trials test our faith and push us to our emotional and spiritual limits. So, what do we do when we don’t know what to do? Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us hope by pointing us to Jesus, our Great High Priest. This passage reminds us that in our confusion, pain, and anxiety, we have a Savior who fully understands our struggles and offers us grace and mercy.

The Jewish people had an intricate system for approaching God, one that required sacrifices, rituals, and a high priest who could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year. But Jesus transformed this entire system. As the writer of Hebrews explains, Jesus is a High Priest far greater than any who came before. Unlike the priests who served on earth, Jesus has entered heaven and sits at the right hand of God, having completed the work of salvation. His unique qualifications—being both God and sinless man—make Him a compassionate, understanding, and effective mediator for us.

One of the most reassuring truths from this text is that Jesus understands. He experienced every kind of temptation and suffering but remained without sin. This means He can empathize with our weaknesses. Jesus knows the weight of sorrow, the sting of betrayal, and the exhaustion of relentless trials. Yet, in His perfection, He invites us to approach Him with confidence. The veil that once separated people from God’s presence has been torn, giving us direct access to our loving Father. We no longer need to be afraid or hesitant.

Jesus doesn’t just give us access; He offers us help. We can come boldly to God’s throne, not because we have earned it, but because Jesus paved the way. When we approach Him, He promises two precious gifts: mercy and grace. Mercy is His compassion, understanding, and care for our needs, while grace is the strength to endure and the energy to keep going. Even when our circumstances don’t change, His grace empowers us to face each challenge with renewed courage and hope.

The idea of running up to Jesus without fear reminds us of a beautiful image: children running to their father. When President Kennedy’s children played in the Oval Office, they didn’t need an appointment or approval—they belonged there because he was their dad. Similarly, Jesus has adopted us into His family, giving us the right to approach Him freely, any time we’re in need. This relationship transforms our prayers from hesitant requests to bold declarations of our need for His presence and help.

This assurance doesn’t mean we’re spared from suffering. Jesus warned us that in this world, we would face many trials and sorrows. Yet, He promised to be with us, offering His presence, mercy, and grace. He may not always deliver us from the storms we face, but He promises to walk with us through them. Our High Priest isn’t distant or disconnected; He is right there with us, feeling our pain and extending His loving arms.

We’re called to remember that when life’s struggles seem insurmountable, our first action should be to run to Jesus. He’s not too busy, and we don’t need to follow a protocol to gain His attention. Instead, we can make a beeline straight to His throne, knowing that He understands and has the power to help. So, when you don’t know what to do, take your confusion and pain to Jesus. Trust in His promise to provide exactly what you need.

Let’s lean into this truth and be a church that approaches our High Priest with confidence. Whether you’re battling grief, pain, or uncertainty, Jesus is ready and willing to offer you His presence, mercy, and grace. May we find our strength in Him and hold firmly to our faith, even when it’s tested. Our God is faithful, and His throne is always open to us.

- Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/3/24.