A Way for Us to Rest
It feels intimidating to start something new without knowing how it will work out, whether a new relationship, job, project or even traveling to a new place. We never know what challenges we might face along the way.
After God met the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, He gave them a new identity (people belonging to Him), new values (the Ten Commandments), and a new destination (the Promised Land). They had no idea where to go or how long it would take. As God led them further into the wilderness, He also gave these desert-weary people a promise to be with them and give them rest.
They had a lot of questions—about everything! Would they be able to find food and water? Would they meet enemies on their journey? How would they live their lives?
Anytime we find ourselves in a new season, place, or situation, we cannot anticipate what we will need, and we get to benefit from the same promise God made to Israel then: His presence is enough, and we can trust Him.
No matter what happens or where we go, He will be with us, and He makes a way for us to rest.
You can trust that God will lead you into a future where rest is possible. Just as He provided Israel with manna to eat when they needed food, He provides for you, too. He is with you, and He is for you.
Truth Changes Everything
Think about the best news you've ever received in your life. Maybe it was a doctor walking into a waiting room and saying, "The surgery went perfectly." Maybe it was a phone call that said, "You got the job." Maybe it was two lines on a pregnancy test you'd been praying for.
Good news changes everything.
But none of those moments, as incredible as they are, even come close to the truth delivered on the first Easter morning:
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Jesus had been crucified publicly, brutally, and officially. He was wrapped, sealed in a tomb. There was no question. Jesus was dead. It was true.
But when His followers Mary and Mary Magdalene arrived to grieve? The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And an angel met them with the most stunning announcement in human history.
But the angel doesn’t just tell the women the truth. He invites them to look for themselves. To step inside. To experience the...