NEVER ALONE

Whatever struggle we are going through, you can rest assured you’re not alone. Through Isaiah, God spoke, "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Is.41:10)" 

Yet, we are not the only ones who has ever wondered where God was during a struggle. The morning right after Jesus’ Crucifixion, among the followers of Jesus were those who wondered the same thing. In Luke 24, we learn about one particular pair of these disciples who were walking down the road to Emmaus a town 7 miles outside of Jerusalem. They were talking about all that had transpired over those past few days — Jesus’ arrest, beating, Crucifixion — and trying to make sense of it all. They thought Jesus was the Messiah; their dream was crushed. They had heard reports that Jesus’ grave was empty and they were very confused. A man joins them in their journey. They were in so much grief, they didn't take the opportunity to  notice that it was Jesus. He asked about what they were discussing, and so the disciples let him in on the discussion. Jesus went on to share Old Testament passages that explained the events of the past few days. That night, as they ate dinner with Him, the Bible says that “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight! (Lk 24:31 )"

Imagine what that experience was like for these disciples. The one they thought was God was crucified and dead walks along the road with them, eats with them, and suddenly they realize that it’s HIM!  And then he disappears. Why couldn't they see Him? The disciples couldn't see Jesus because of their grief. They needed God to show him to them. 

You do, too.  Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, loss of your health, your job, a relationship, or a really big deal - if you’ve had a loss like that, you may have missed the fact that God has walked through the entire experience with you. He never left you, never forsook you. You just couldn't see Him. As with these disciples in Luke, God will show Himself to you, if you ask. He wants you to see him. He wants you to know you were never alone.

Jim