The Darkest Night

I can't imagine how difficult it was for them. To see the life that you thought you knew in complete ruin must have been devastating. All of your expectations and hopes from the previous week had been destroyed. Your confidence is nonexistent and you no longer trust anyone. I'm certain that doubt was overwhelming and fear was a constant companion. How do you pick up the pieces of your life when they are shattered and scattered all around you?

Jesus' family and friends were blindsided by the disastrous events of His arrest and crucifixion and didn't have the coping skills to deal with it. They went to sleep on Saturday night completely unsure of what to do next. They also didn't know that everything was about to change again in a brand-new, eternally-planned, destiny-altering fashion. Their darkest night was about to become their brightest morning. They thought that all hope was gone and instead they were about to experience their hope being fulfilled.

That Sunday morning perfectly illustrates the beauty of the way that God operates. He always has redemption ready when it seems like we are doomed. Even when we are completely off balance and unaware, He is ready to fulfill His promises. It's a reminder we often need to not give up, but trust that God is ready to step in exactly when we need it the most.