Reread Hebrews 4:14-16 and begin to work your way through Day Seven:

• What are the two things the writer says we can receive from God?
• In your opinion, does the fact that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses have any bearing on what we receive?
• Why can we draw near to God with confidence?

Think About It:

• What does mercy mean to you?
• In this context, what do you think grace means?
• Is there one area in your life where you need strength to endure?

Insight:
So what can you expect from God? What has He promised?

We can keep on believing because we have a high priest who has on his own merit “passed through the heavens.” A high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations. With all that as a backdrop the writer invites us to “draw near with confidence.”

“Confidence in what?” you ask. “He may not give me what I want? He may say, ‘No’.”

We can approach God’s throne with confidence that He will always give us the two things that are most critical in our time of need: mercy and grace.

Mercy comes in many forms. Sometimes it is simply the comfort of knowing that in some mysterious way we have God’s undivided attention when we pour our hearts out to Him. At times mercy comes in the form physical or emotional relief. Mercy is the assurance that God will never allow the pressures or heart breaks of life to be more than we can bear.

We have a Savior who understands. He has felt what we have felt and feel. Therefore, He knows exactly what we need. The writer of Hebrews says that we can come to Him with confidence. You can boldly come to God with total transparency and openness. He is never going to say, “I can’t believe you did that.” He will never answer quizzically “I can’t believe you feel that way.” He will never ask emphatically “What is your problem?”  He is the mercy giving God because He knows form experience what it is like to need mercy.

But God’s promises don’t end with mercy. You can expect to receive grace as well. In this context, grace is the strength to endure; the ability to carry on.

Mom and dad may never lighten up. Dad may never come back. Mom may never understand. Popularity may always be illusive. The scholarship may never become a reality.  But God has promised the strength to endure.

God has not promised to deliver us from our circumstances. He has promised to deliver us through them. You have the freedom to ask God to change your circumstances. And you can count on Him for the grace to endure in the mean time.