Hope & Joy Will Come

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. (Matthew 28:1 NASB)

Confused. Frustrated. Saddened.

Maybe even angry. It doesn't seem right.

What we expected God to do, 

Didn't go as planned.

Have we misunderstood? What now?

Dear Abba God, as our life unfolds, obstacles rise and confuse us. Give us strength to do what we know to do (as the women did, preparing to embalm Jesus, not knowing He had risen) and to endure the period of active waiting. 

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 

Meet us there in that place of obedience, when we are confused and waiting for You to unfold more of Your plan. Prepare our hearts for Your answer when it does come. Strengthen our hands and feet for our work. 

And behold, 

Jesus met them and 

greeted them. 

And they came up and 

took hold of His feet and 

worshiped Him. 

Give us hearts that seek YOU more than the plan itself-more than all we care about in this world. Let our hearts consider often the joy set before us, when we meet Jesus face to face. Fill our hearts with a desire to worship You!

Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me." (Matthew 28:5-10 NASB)

Give us courage to believe, to trust You, and to do the work You gave us to do. Help us to cast down all thoughts that are not of You. Speak through us - in words, attitudes, and actions - as we look for opportunities to share The Good News of Jesus. Have Your way in us Abba. In Jesus' name...