Someone who understands

We are living in strange times. Yesterday for the first time ever there was a duck in our back garden here in Huntingdon. It seems that normal life has gone out of the window even for the birds as well, and they are as confused as the rest of us!

As the government changes its tactics to discourage as much movement and social contact as possible, for many there’s an increased sense of anxiety. The stock markets are tumbling. The schools are weighing up whether they can continue. The supermarket shelves are emptying. When my wife went into Aldi, shelves were empty on many items, except for one Mexican brand of beer- guess which one? Corona!

Others are confused rather than worried. Even listening to the traffic reports on our much loved HCR104fm it’s clear that hardly anyone is driving around as most people are working from home. Exactly what will the next few weeks look like for all of us?

Well can I encourage you this morning with the first of what I call “good news for troubled times” and it’s this. There is Someone who understands. I’m speaking about Jesus Christ.

• Are you facing extra stresses and challenges at the moment in your home or daily life? There is Someone who understands. He faced many stresses during his time on earth. Life was far from normal for him, not even having a place to lay his head. There is someone who understands.


• Are you concerned about your health or that of elderly relatives and neighbours? There is Someone who understands. During his ministry on earth Jesus had an amazing sympathy and compassion towards those in need, bringing peace and healing.


• If you are honest, are you worried about your elderly loved ones or yourself succumbing to the virus and even facing death? There is Someone who understands. In the garden of Gethsemane he sweated blood at the prospect of his death on the cross, although three days later he knew he was going to rise again.


• Are you isolated from friends and family? He was isolated, on the cross as friends abandoned and betrayed him, and he was even isolated from his Heavenly Father when he died on the cross. There is Someone who understands.

So take this opportunity to reflect on the message of Jesus Christ.

If you are a Christian, you can serve others around you, being Jesus’ hands and feet, and showing that you too are someone who understands and who wants to help. You can show your hope beyond this life, and your help in this life. It’s time to believe our beliefs and doubt our doubts. We have a wonderful saviour who understands.

If you are not a Christian, perhaps this time of anxiety is also a time of opportunity, as perhaps with a little more time on your hands at home, you dust down that old bible, and start reading the New Testament for the first time as an adult. Or perhaps making the most of the excellent online material that is out there. Christianity Explored or Clayton TV. You will find in Jesus, Someone who understands.

There are podcasts and prerecorded messages at our website if that would be of help.

And if you are stuck at home, get in touch for a chat, or let us know if you need any help or practical assistance. It may be that we can help or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Good news for troubled times: there is someone who understands, Jesus Christ.