Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 16:8-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
When left unchecked, doubt will attempt to suffocate our faith and leave us stuck. Attempting to distort our vision and relationship with Christ, doubt brings our facts to the forefront in the form of potential scenarios and chaotic realities as proof that maybe what God declares is possible is actually impossible. Even as we read scriptures declaring how God delivers on His promise time and time again, doubt repeatedly takes on a life of its own.
If you have ever doubted God’s delivering on a promise, you are in company with some of the disciples seen in Matthew 28. Jesus has died, and Mary Magdalene and Mary are at His tomb. While they expect to find His body lying in the tomb, we read their wide range of emotions as they realize that the Savior has risen! Not only alive, but risen “just as he said” (v.6). When the women rush to share the news, we surprisingly see the word doubt on the page. The disciples also had a wide range of responses—“When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted” (v.17). They questioned what was unfolding right in front of them because it was incomprehensible!
The same people who walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry and witnessed His miracles—the ones He specifically told of His return—distrusted what their eyes were seeing.
Relating to some of the disciples at this moment is not a hard stretch for some of us. The doubt we may experience as we encounter certain challenges, we see in action with some of the disciples. How often have we struggled to believe in the fulfillment of a specific promise God has made? We weather seasons when we feel the scriptures do not apply because victory, healing, or peace seems impossible in this particular storm. How many times are we shocked by the unwavering consistency of God toward His people and delivering on His word when it’s the exact thing He’s promised to do?
Yet, still, we know the truth! We know God’s voice! No matter what past circumstances or the present culture or even the thundering chant of disbelief says, Jesus always delivers on His promises to us. His follow-through is perfect.
Psalm 16:8–11 encourages us to always keep our eyes on the Lord even when we do not know the outcome. When the facts tell us to go a different direction and the steps forward are trembling ones, we are to remain steady, lean on Him, and find joy in His presence. As we reflect on moments when God has instructed us to move forward as significant decisions need to be made, or when dynamics appear to be irreversible, there God is. Even in the storm, He is there, promising to cover and keep us—at times, even amid our struggle to belief.
Jesus defeated death. He rose again. Just like He said!
Written by Bethny Ricks
He is Risen. Hallelujah. I danced and jumped so much this morning in worship you guys. Hallelujah. Come alive in the Name of Jesus. Come back to life. Get out of the grave. In Jesus’ Mighty Name.
Lifting you up in prayers.❤️
Praise God for this glorious Resurrection Sunday today and forever more.⭐⭐⭐
Happy Easter ladies!! He is Risen! I felt a joy I couldn’t really explain this morning—definitely the Lord working in me. My “friend” was serving with the tech team today, so I didn’t get to see him unfortunately. I do have a peace about it, but I am pretty disappointed at the same time. I feel annoyed at myself that I’m making this about me, rather than focusing on Christ this weekend. I am so thankful for Jesus and I felt so joyful as we worshipped this morning. I am balancing joy and this longing for my friend to ask me out. I also struggle with what I should do on my end, if I should set up a game night or something in hopes that he would come. I don’t want to be as forward as I was with the previous guy…I know I have to let him initiate. Well, I will be going to a new girlfriend’s house for dinner in a little bit. Praying I would be thankful for the friends I have and be present, and lookout for the interests of others, even though I am wishing I was spending it with my other “friend” instead. The Lord is Risen!! I have joy because of him, even when it’s hard.
v6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Happy Resurrection Day sweet she’s love you all to SO much! I’m excited as my son who was away for the weekend comes home this morning as he is serving at his church and the the three( my daughter, son and I) will attend Resurrection Sunday service together. God is good!
“He is not here. For he has risen, JUST AS HE SAID” Matthew 28:6 —even in death He is a promise keeper!! Focused on what he says more than what anything else says! Happy Resurrection Sunday ladies!! Please TRUST in Gods promises this year, trust in His word for it is true, alive and the same today!!! ☮️❤️to all you she’s !
The last verse in Matthew is really getting me this morning…” I will be with you always, until the end of age.” I love this promise from Jesus to us.
This is my first Easter not with my Church family of 12+ years. I am a little sad, missing them, but thankful for the ones Jesus has provided for me since leaving last year. And extremely thankful for my SRT sisters! Loving and thinking of each one of you today.
Happy Easter everyone! HE IS RISEN!
Happy Easter! Come and see! All that He has done!
Happy Easter ladies!! Praying you all have a great day! What a great Lenten season it was with you all. @MIA Faith – praying for you today sweet sister and your family. I hope you feel Gods presence today. And praying for anybody who’s dealing with the loss of a family member. @SARAH D – praying your friend did the right thing and asked you out. He’d be silly not to.
Such a blessed Resurrection Sunday!
Steve and I attended Madi and Phil’s church. Two men helped us find a place to sit, move a chair from the row so Steve could have his wheelchair in the row instead of out in the aisle. Such a blessing even though it may seem insignificant.
Have a wonderful day, dear sister she’s!
Thankful you got to go to church sweet Lynn. ❤️