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There are times in life when we feel our own limitations. Not because we are weak, but because of circumstances, worries or challenges weigh heavily on us. It is precisely in such moments that Jesus invites us to trust in his grace.

The song “What a friend is our Jesus” celebrates this wonderful truth: It reminds us that we in all situations in life – in fear, stress or loneliness – we can bring everything to Him. Where our strength is not enough, He is there. His grace is enough.

Jesus meets us in weakness: – He has shown this time and again. There was the woman at Jacob’s well. Her life was full of challenges, she was lonely and full of shame. But Jesus sees not only her situation, but her as a person. He promises her that He wants to give her living water – a spring that fills everything she lacks (John 4:6).

There was Levi, the tax collector. He was not a respected man. Many avoided him because of his profession, because the tax collectors of the Roman occupiers were not well regarded in Israel at that time. But Jesus approached him, directly into his everyday life of weaknesses, and said, “Follow me!” Levi left everything behind because he experienced that this invitation changed him (Luke 5:27). Such stories show that God does not call us weak. He looks at us and says:  Your weakness is not an obstacle for me – it is the place where my grace can take effect.

A friend who is with us in every situation: – The song “What a friend our Jesus is” speaks of how we can turn to Jesus when worries weigh us down or “storms rage around us”. In such moments we need not be afraid. Jesus remains faithful. He understands what we are going through. He hears us and gives us peace and strength. Perhaps we have experienced that it is not easy to bring everything to Jesus. But that is exactly what we can learn:  If we entrust ourselves to him, his grace will take hold of us – as it did with the woman at the well or with Levi. The encounter with Jesus changes us and lets us experience that He is enough – for you and me.

Grace that carries us: – Weakness is not a flaw. It is the space in which Jesus wants to meet us. His grace carries us and gives us the strength we need. The song quoted goes on to say, “Who can say and measure how much salvation is lost if we do not turn to him and seek him in prayer!”

We can bring everything to Jesus – He remains the friend who is with us in every situation. His grace is the source that never runs dry, but always replenishes what we need.