His Cross Our HopeSampel

As we travel through life, how are we responding to seasons of waiting, pain, or discouragement?

During this week leading up to Easter, I’m reminded of Jesus’ disciples. How optimistic they must have been after His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. They had invested more than three years of their lives to follow Him and had seen the most amazing miracles. Who, but God, could do such marvelous things?

Yet on that final Thursday night, despair smothered hope as Jesus was dragged away by armed guards. With their expectations dashed, they slunk off into the darkness.

The next day, Friday, the Romans executed Jesus in the cruelest, most degrading manner possible. His followers hid, overcome by fear and ashamed of their cowardice. Only one disciple, believed to be John, was among those at the foot of the cross.

Saturday was a nebulous day. A day through which they probably passed in a suffocating haze of dread. After three years of following this Teacher, should they return to their old lives? Did they even have lives to return to?

Sunday finally dawned. Even with the report of Jesus’ victorious resurrection, they hesitated. But they stepped out of the shadows into bold recognition of the long-awaited Messiah.

What about you? Is your life stuck on Thursday? Are you dealing with the shock and despair of dashed hopes?

Perhaps you’re trapped on Friday, where your dreams are both dashed and buried.

Maybe you’re stalled in Saturday’s waiting room with its murky view of the future?

Wherever you are, Sunday is coming! By the grace of God, faith in Christ, and the power of His Holy Spirit, you can step out…

…from condemnation to restoration.

…from despair to hope.

…from death to life.

Be encouraged. Sunday’s on the way!”

~Ava Pennington

Writer, speaker, and co-host of the Faith Over Fear podcast