Meeting Jesus
Matthew 28:8-9 “So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’” (ESV)
Unexpected circumstances so easily knock me off balance. If I have realized anything over the last 2-3 months, it is that I like to know what’s ahead, have a plan in place, and know what I’m about to do. In other words, I like control. Of the many things the COVID-19 health crisis has stripped from me, control is not the least. How do you respond to lack of control? Does it lead you to a manic pursuit of gaining it back? Paralysis? Something in between?
These verses in Matthew resonate for me. The women who went to Jesus’ tomb on the third day find it empty and are told by a heavenly being to go tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and that they will see him in Galilee. Talk about unexpected circumstances! Jesus’ followers have experienced nothing but the unexpected in the days just prior to this encounter. The women’s response, however, is powerful—they departed quickly with fear and great joy, and ran! I can identify with their feelings—they were excited that Jesus had risen, but they were afraid. They didn’t have details or control, but with what little they knew—they moved quickly. And next, Jesus met them as they went! In the women’s obedience to the spirit, despite their fear, despite their lack of details, in their action - Jesus met them.
I confess that the times in my life when I have most felt the close presence of God were times when I didn’t have answers, I was afraid or I didn’t know what was to come. It was in those times that God whispered to me, “Go do this thing . . . then watch what I will do.” It was there that He met me. I pray that you will meet Jesus as you go to where or to what He is sending you.
For His Glory,
Lisa V. Yerrick
Praises
For eight (8) summer missionaries who are training for summer ministry!
For the ability to be working from the office again and seeing a few of our team members.
For the 1,690 volunteers who shared the Gospel with children through the CEF® ministry this school year.
Prayer Requests
For God’s wisdom and direction as we move forward with summer programs, Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™) and 5-Day Club®. That God will provide us with innovative ideas and community and church partners where children can be reached with the Gospel.
For school, community, state and national leaders as they make decisions in light of the health crisis.
God to bless the hearts, hands and minds of scientists searching for a vaccination against COVID-19 and for the many health care workers who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to meet patient needs.
That we capture new opportunities by which we can minister to children; that we have energy to learn and grow in new ways.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”
