Faith in the face of the impossible. That’s where my mind seems to camp leading up to Easter.
As I read the story, I am strangely encouraged that even Jesus’ closest friends, the ones whom he told what would happen, still lost faith, hope, and belief. They knew … but they didn’t know. And the intense circumstances leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus caused so much fear and confusion that they missed what Jesus tried so lovingly to prepare them for.
What would the story be like – what could we learn – if the disciples had been able to put the dots together and spent those three days praying, encouraging, and telling the world, “Just wait. It isn’t over yet!”? What if, instead of hiding, one of them emerged from the group and shined a light of understanding on what had become hidden and forgotten? What if….
But that’s not how it happened.
Instead, the One who had been heralded in the streets just days before, became the subject of hate, betrayal, mockery, violence, and murder. A complete turnaround by a terrified and fickle people with short memories. Would I have had faith in the face of the impossible? Would I have been gracious or competitive at the supper table? Would I have stayed awake to pray through the night? Would I have been loving in the face of betrayal? Would I have healed an enemy knowing they would lead me to my own flogging? Would I have been brave and claimed my Savior as my friend in the face of accusation? Would I have stayed at the cross to pray while my beloved was tortured? Would I have had faith in the face of the impossible?
Of course, I would like to think that I would. But the honest truth is that my faith probably would have been shaken just like the disciples were. I have the benefit of retrospect – I know how it ends – and still there are days when my faith struggles in the face of my own trials. In my less-than-best days, I am prone to wonder if Jesus is aware of my situation. Yes, similar to Jesus’ disciples, I am human despite my love for Him.
And because He knows that we are prone to wander, the Lord has graciously given us example after example of humanity alongside holiness; He shows us that we are not alone in our humanity while showing us how to become more like Him. Failure and forgiveness. Weakness and strength. While we are being changed from grace to grace, we are still growing. We haven’t arrived yet. We won’t be perfected until we are in His presence. And, praise God, that doesn’t disappoint our Father. He is in it with us. He delights in walking with us. And while He loves us too much to leave us to our own devices, He isn’t deterred by our humanity. What a loving God!
So, as I reflect this Easter season on what Jesus has done for me, I continue to grow my faith in the face of the impossible. With each triumph and trial, walking toward deeper maturity knowing that He is with all of us. He reminds us of what He has done; He reminds us that He is trustworthy. He encourages us up the path of faithfulness with love. And He is always whispering…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 