As we reflect upon the Easter story, we see that the disciples encountered moments of great confusion and doubt following the crucifixion. They found it difficult to recall, with any great conviction, what Jesus had taught them about the need for Him to die and that He would return from the dead.
During the recent ‘Big Questions’ course, led by David Harvey, my mind was taken back to a difficult time in my own life, when I encountered the saying which I have used as the title for this article.
So often, despite experiences and teaching to the contrary, we find ourselves in the same situation as the disciples – finding it difficult to make sense of our circumstances.
Experience has taught me how important the good news of Easter is, as we face the difficulties which inevitably beset us from time to time.
At the heart of the story is the truth that God loved us so much that He was willing to send Jesus,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16)
In the resurrection, we see the power of God overcoming our greatest fear – death itself. Writing to the church in Rome, Paul declares:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38-39)
These then are the things that we must grasp in the light to enable us to face the dark times.
Before His return to Heaven, some of Jesus’ final words were:
“surely I am with you always”
(Matthew 28:20)
… even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Let us learn in the good times the truth that will sustain us through the difficult ones.
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