Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  Philippians 2:5-7

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the tallest, most powerful players in professional basketball. His 7-foot, 325 pound body overpowers the biggest and strongest professional athletes in the game. But imagine what would happen if Shaq took his game to a pee-wee basketball league. I think it’s safe to say it would be a lopsided contest.

If you view Jesus as a Shaquille O’Neal presence in a pee-wee world, then you have the wrong idea of who our Savior was. Jesus did not face the challenges of this world as God. He faced them as a man. Some of you may be thinking, “Sure Jesus was sinless; he was God. If I were as powerful as God, I’d be able to resist sin, too!” But even though Jesus was God, he was also fully human. He was limited in his divinity, and he was not above everyday struggles.

The evil one tries to make us feel alone and isolated whenever we’re going through difficult times so that we don’t go to the one person who can help. But always remember that we can go to Jesus, because he’s been there and has experienced our pain. Through him, we will find the guidance we need to navigate the obstacles in our lives.

Lord, thank you for coming to this earth and living a very human life so that you could relate to the pressures I face every day. And I know that because of your life’s purpose, you are able to help me with any situation I may face. Help me learn to fully rely on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.