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I read a book in the pandemic which was all about God’s heart for sinners and sufferers

My Bible: reasons to believe in the power of the Bible

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‘I read a book in the pandemic which was all about God’s heart for sinners and sufferers. One of the chapters looks at Hebrews 4.15 which says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

‘Three years ago, I had just got married and was in my final year at university when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and my world came crumbling down. 

‘I was in all-over pain. Walking for just 15 minutes was impossible. Standing in my chemistry lab was very complicated. Trying to process thoughts in my brain didn’t work any more. It was difficult and lonely. 

‘Unless you have been through it, it’s really hard to understand. People think that you are making it up. That’s why these verses are so precious for me because it speaks about how Jesus can speak to us in our weakness. He’s just as tender to us as he was to the woman by the well, or the woman who poured perfume over his feet. 

‘It’s easy to know that, but when you are in pain and you don’t know what the future is going to look like, it’s a reminder that he has experienced huge pain too and that is a huge comfort. 

‘I have experienced a level of healing through medication and seeing specialists. But it’s still frustrating. I may not be an 8/10 pain day, but there are challenges to navigate in this illness at the age of 24. 

‘This verse tells me that God understands. More than that, I guess that it’s like having a person who’s both experienced the pain, but also has the power to heal. He sympathises and is the great physician. That’s a wonderful comfort.’

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