My first thought was that this was too late to post for anyone's interest but then I remembered a friend's recent struggle and disappointment from an unexpected outcome. We all go through these moments like the disciples did after the crucifixion, just before the resurrection of Jesus. Even after the resurrection, tough times came upon some and they were scared or in fear.

God's plan for us is stronger than we can ever realize. It is the constant battle with sin that keeps us from realizing the tremendous joy we are to experience in that plan. Satan knows that if he can keep our spirit down, our emotions fluttering, our hearts depressed and our mind worried, we will be too out-of-focus to make a difference for God's kingdom agenda.

The plan from God is that we not only rely on Him in these times but even more so, be actively looking to help others. It also takes our minds off our own problems so we can focus on what He desires. There will always be troubles in our lives so it is paramount that we reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ to see what they need (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). Look for someone to share the gift of salvation that God has given us. Sharing that gift was our directive from Jesus (Matthew 28:19) and it will never be repealed until all have heard the message. If we are busy about that plan and the encouraging of our Christian family (2 Corinthians 13:11), we can leave the other needs to God (Matthew 6:33-34). The struggle is difficult but we must work beyond ourselves and utilize the Holy Spirit for our strength.

~~
twh

Different Than It Appeared by InTouch Ministries

In the Story of Easter, Saturday normally gets lost.

The days (and even the few years) preceding it, however, were filled with amazing events and words. If it were a symphony, it would have all risen to a resounding yet horrific crescendo: the arrest and trial, the scourging and crucifixion, the agony on the cross, the death, the day turning to utter darkness, the ground shaking as if to split the earth, the veil tearing in two . . .

And then, just like the famous pause in Handel's Messiah, it all comes to a screeching halt. Jesus is buried—and it is all over.

With Jesus gone, the disciples were left with nothing but the memories and His words, neither of which seemed to be affecting them, for they huddled in fear on Saturday, having little faith in what He had promised. The disciples had painted their own picture of who Messiah was supposed to be—a narrative they wanted Him to fulfill.

How many of us believers live with a Saturday mindset—somewhere between the truth of Jesus' earthly life and the glorious resurrection that validated everything He said and did? It is easy to look at the disciples' fear and lack of faith on that day and shake our heads. But are we so different, really? Do we have our own plans for God? Do you and I conveniently believe that the best thing for us is that God and everyone else follow our script for the day? Do we get angry when it doesn't happen?

Do you find yourself speaking words that increasingly convey a lack of hope? Are they words of discouragement, gloom, doom—maybe even despair?

Two choices lie before those of us who live with such a mentality. Either we make the frustrating and futile attempt to get our own way, or we turn and revisit the truth of what God has told us: the truth about Himself and the truth about ourselves; the truth about what He has asked us to do in the disappointment of "Saturday."

The disciples had not yet received the Holy Spirit. We now have Him in full. They did not have the fullness of God's Word. We have all of it at ready access. They were living on the other side of the resurrection. We live in its reality.

Because the Truth, dear friends, is that the music will resume. Sunday's coming! What an awesome Saturday we have been given!

–Del Tackett

Copyright 2014 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.