I'll never forget my first day on the campus of the University of Maryland as a freshman student. It was my first semester of college. I was in a wheelchair and I was overwhelmed, because as I sat in my chair, after my accident, at the end of a long line heading to the registrar's desk, I felt so small and so helpless. All the students were on their feet, nobody else around in wheelchairs. They all looked like they knew each other and knew what they were doing.
On my lap was a stack of curriculum guidelines about a mile high. I had an idea of which classes I wanted to register for, but I overheard some of the students talking — classes were getting filled up fast. I was afraid I wouldn't make it.
I heaved a great sigh. I had tried my best to get to the campus early that morning, but my disability had slowed me down. Wheelchairs and leg bags are a pain, and it was all I could do to even get myself from home to the campus that day rather than get there early. I sat there near tears, almost ready to wheel away in defeat.
I had no idea that at that time what I needed was an advocate, someone who would kindly regard my sad state of affairs and do something about it! No sooner had I decided to maybe turn around and go back home when lo and behold my angel of an advocate appeared. She walked right up to me with a clipboard in hand and announced that my faculty advisor had sent her to help me register. She was there to be my guide, to plead my case to the registrar's office, to be my strong defender. And within a matter of hours, my discouragement had lifted. I was signed up for my classes. You'll never know what that girl had meant to me!
When you're at your weakest, don't you love it when suddenly, out of nowhere, someone shows up to be your best advocate? A friend who will take up your case, plead with those who are accusing you, someone who will just be a helpful friend? Webster's dictionary says: “an advocate is a vocal supporter for any cause, one who pleads a case for another.”
It's easy to see how that word ‘advocate' makes a verse like 1 John 2:1 come alive. It says there, “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Friend, when it comes to defending you when you are most helpless, the Lord Jesus serves as your Advocate with the Father.
Do you feel helpless today? Nowhere to turn? In need of a hand? Remember, you do have an Advocate, an Advocate with the Father, and there's no need to despair. Just tell Jesus what you’re going through. Tell Him you feel. You'll never know what it means to have Him as an Advocate until you hand over your case to Him.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
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