Are you worried about your future and that of your loved ones? Does it feel like your world recently came crashing down around you? Do you feel helpless, depressed, isolated, or lonely?
If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, these are challenges that people all over the world are confronted with. And the gospels tell us that it’s similar uncertainty and apprehension that Jesus’ disciples faced shortly after His execution. (If you’ve ever wondered what it might have felt like to be a disciple in the days leading up to Easter morning, I think you’ll find Peter’s insightful article, “Easter—Yesterday, Today, and Forever,” especially interesting.)
In their case, the solution was realizing that the Master was still around and that they could continue depending on Him, just as they had done until then. It took awhile for them to understand it, but seeing the risen Christ put everything else into perspective and confirmed that He was powerful enough to provide all the help they could need.
The same is true for us today. Jesus didn’t promise that everything in our lives would go smoothly or that we wouldn’t face problems and opposition. But He did promise that He would never leave us,[ See Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5.] and that He will always love us.[See John 14:21.] Our path may not be easy,[See John 16:33.] but we are not traveling it alone.
If we don’t let the trials and tough times overcome us, but instead use them to strengthen our connection with the one who can give us hope, joy, and peace,[See Romans 15:13.] we will come through our personal difficulties and crises stronger than ever, just as Jesus’ disciples did.