Trust God : A Holy Week Devotionalنموونە

As we enter this week leading up to Good Friday and then to Easter, it is a time for us to reflect on what is our response when we are in uncertain situations? When life throws us a curveball, when things around seem uncertain and maybe even hopeless? When it feels like God is far away and the oppressors have all the power, in what do we place our trust and hope?

We see that the disciples also experience something similar. When the crowds came to arrest Jesus (Luke 22:47-53), their response was very similar to ours. Someone has just pulled the rug underneath their feet, and they were perplexed. It’s not like they weren’t warned. Jesus had often told them about the suffering and the persecution that He was going to have to endure. Despite His warnings, they are caught off guard and are unable to focus their thoughts.

In the following days, they will see Jesus crucified. Luke 23:44-49 records the death of Jesus. It is interesting to note the contrasting reactions of the people who are present there. The centurion, the regular people, and the followers of Jesus. You get that sense of hopelessness as they are far off in the distance just watching this historic event unfold. These were people who were wholly dependent on Jesus and all of a sudden, He’s gone. We can see their hope just disappearing moment by moment. To make matters worse Jesus affirms to the chief priests, officers of the temple and elders “this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (v53). It seems that they are in control and God has gone far away.

Doesn’t this sound all too familiar for us as well? When the chips are down, where do we turn to? In whom do we place our trust and hope? Do we cling to God and His promises for us? It is a reminder to us that when trials come, we must cling to God’s Word. It may feel like He is far, but that is not true. He promises us that He will never forsake us.

Challenge

1. I will trust God when I “feel” betrayed, defeated and abandoned.
2. Plan to memorise various promises from God’s Word to remind yourself especially in uncertain times that He will never forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)