Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our infirmities." In the words of my father, the word "helps" is very weak according to the original meaning of the Greek text. In the Greek text, it is more accurately translated as "shares."
The Spirit shares in our weakness: this is a new concept for many Christians. Most of the time, Christians hear that Jesus came to earth and experienced what they go through. That is then used as an encouragement to say, "Jesus knows what you are going through." However, this, like what was mentioned above, weakens the truth of what actually happens. Jesus did not just experience the hardships that Christians go through today. His Spirit shares in their weaknesses and experiences their hardships as they go through them.
This is also explained by Matthew 11:29 which starts out, "Take my yoke upon you." A yoke was the device that enabled two oxen to share the load that they were pulling. This is so symbolic of what Jesus' Spirit does with Christians today. Christians may complain and say, "God doesn't care about what I'm going through!" But, in fact, the opposite is true; for God really cares about what Christians are going through because He is actually enduring it alongside of them.
Keep that in mind the next time life throws you some pain.
