Dark. Gloomy. Hopeless.
This is what oozed out of the disciples on that Friday when Jesus was crucified.
Waves of grief washed over them as it became obvious that Jesus was no longer alive.
He was dead.
To top it off, not only were they grieving over the loss of their beloved teacher, but now they were fleeing for their very lives. If they were found by the Roman soldiers, surely they’d be dragged away and tortured just like Jesus was.
Huddled up together away from the crowd, imagine the misery that hung over them in that room.
Ever been there?
Full of misery? Hopeless? Depressed? Fearful?
We can all identify with the disciples in some way or another. Our circumstances are much different from theirs, but our souls feel just as heavy when we feel hopeless about the future.
But just three days later, everything changed!
These fearful, panic-stricken cowards went from hopeless to hopeful.
And not just hopeful, but full of courage and boldness. Full of unspeakable joy. Overflowing with peace that compares to nothing else in this world.
The resurrection of Jesus changed everything for them.
The resurrection of Jesus filled their dark, empty souls with truth and strength.
The resurrection of Jesus was the turning point for them, taking them from death to life.
A scripture that absolutely amazes me is found in John 20:19…
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Behind LOCKED doors, the disciples trembled with fear. But that didn’t stop Jesus from coming to be WITH them.
How often do we find ourselves behind locked doors of our own choosing?
We lock the door to our heart in an attempt to cover up hurt.
We lock the door to our soul to block out unbearable pain and suffering.
We lock the door to God’s blessings because of doubts and wavering trust.
But Jesus is able to break through our locked doors!
He is able to replace our pity with His peace.
He is able to dissolve our despair into dependence on Him.
He is able to take our deepest wounds–the things that threaten to crush us–and turn them into something beautiful for His glory and eternal purpose.
So on this good Friday, be reminded of not only what Jesus DID but what He is still DOING.
Call out to Him and allow Him to unlock your doors. It may feel like Friday, but SUNDAY IS COMING!!
Blessings to you!
Lisa Preuett
Lisa Preuett~Rest Stop for the Soul 