When Hope is Walking Right Beside Us
Today’s Truth
“I will never leave you or forsake you” (Mathew 28:20).
Friend to Friend
Have you ever faced a tough circumstance and wondered, “Where are you God?” That was the situation with many of Jesus’ followers after He was crucified and buried. They lost their hopes and dreams and didn’t know where to turn.
The same day that Peter and John discovered the empty tomb, two of the disciples were walking to the
“What are you talking about?” the man asked.
“Are you the only visitor in
“What things?” the man asked.
Then the two disciples gave the traveler a blow by blow account of Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and disappearance from the tomb. Their eyes were blinded by despair so they didn’t realize that hope was walking right alongside them. All they saw was the tragedy, but they missed seeing Jesus walking on the dusty road with them.
When they reached the village where they were going, they urged this “stranger” to join them for dinner. When he was at the table, Jesus assumed the role of host - took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and passed it to the men. At that point, I am sure a flood of memories returned to the men…memories of another meal where Jesus broke bread with His followers. But perhaps what opened their eyes to this man’s true identity were the nail scarred hands that held the bread. “Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight” (Luke 24:31 NIV).
Perhaps you’ve traveled down your own dusty road to Emmaus, with circumstances leaving you confused, troubled, and depressed. If so, remember this, my friend: just because we cannot see Jesus or sense His presence does not mean that He is absent. He is walking the path with us. Jesus assures us with these words: “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Mathew 28:20). He gave His word. He gave His life.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I know that you are always with me. Forgive me when I whine about being all alone. Forgive me when I whine that nobody understands my problems. I know that You understand all things and that You are my hope Who is always walking right along the path with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How do you think the men felt when they realized that the man in their presence was Jesus?
What do you think the realization did to their dashed hopes and dreams?
How would the realization that Jesus is always walking along the path with you change your reaction to disappointments and broken dreams?
More from the Girls
I wonder what difference it would make in our daily walk if we realized and lived as if God is walking with us, step by step. The amazing truth is that He is with us. He may come with the face of a wounded friend, in a tragic circumstance or in ways that we cannot understand. But make no mistake, God is with us!
For more on today’s topic see Your Scars are Beautiful to God-Finding peace and purpose in the hurts of your past or Dreams of a Woman: God’s plan for fulfilling your dreams by Sharon Jaynes.
Originally published Wednesday, 30 May 2007.
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