Easter is Proof That Jesus' Promises Never Fail

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”  At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.  He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). — John 20:13-16 (NIV)

I knew the promises the Holy Spirit whispered to me would eventually be fulfilled. He reassured me through Scripture and perfectly timed words from strangers and friends that my story would be redeemed. Good things were yet to come. There would come a day when God would turn my ashes into beauty, my mourning into joy, and replace my spirit of despair with a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3). I just didn’t know when or how God would turn it all around.

But I counted His promises as truth and tried my best to wait patiently. My faith said, “He’s got this. He has never failed me.” Yet my flesh desired to give up and doubt. Afterall, God didn’t answer in the way I begged for, and recovery was slow and never according to my timeline.

This long season of darkness, despair, many tears, and blurred vision lasted far longer than I could handle. At times, Christ’s presence seemed almost tangible. Other times, I couldn’t see two inches in front of my dire circumstances, let alone envision Jesus in the midst of my grief and depression. It was as if, in one moment, Jesus was there and, in the next, He was gone.

When I first heard John’s Gospel account of the resurrected Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene, I always assumed that Jesus had changed His physical appearance, which is why Mary mistook Him for the gardener. While that may be the case, there is plenty of text to infer that her vision may have been blurred by her despair.

Mary was completely oppressed when Jesus first found her. He rescued her from seven demons, and her life was turned around as she followed the Messiah and clung to every word of His teachings (Luke 8:2). He redeemed her story, and she fell in love with her Savior.

Then Jesus was crucified. He was gone. Can you imagine the anguish, hopelessness, and defeat Mary felt when she witnessed the torturous death of her Rescuer?  She knew the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus (John 11:25-26), but I imagine the trauma and grief of His death clouded her long-term vision.

So, when we find Mary in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday, carrying spices and perfumes to properly anoint Jesus’ body, despair has kept her company, and tears have been her food all day and night of the Sabbath (Mark 16:1-3). She was looking for a dead body on Easter Sunrise, but Christ defeated death. Mary was distraught, confused, sobbing, and turned around when she didn’t recognize Jesus in the garden. But when He called her name, she knew His voice and turned toward Him.

Oh, how I love this Easter story! I can only imagine the look of relief on Mary’s face when she finally recognized Jesus and clung to Him. He had been there all along. Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the grave just like He said He would.

His promises never fail.

We can cling to the truth that God is always with us, no matter how blurry our vision may get.

This devotional was originally published on crossmap.com

https://blogs.crossmap.com/stories/easter-is-proof-that-gods-promises-never-fail--a-nighttime-prayer-0e_lnbL5mC75965iSwB-A

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Questions for Reflection:

1. What promises do you need to cling a little tighter to in this season? Remember, God’s promises never fail.

2. What is your favorite account of the Easter story? How does it give you hope for what is yet to come?

Please Pray:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice on the cross, so that I may be reconciled to the Father, have my many sins forgiven, and have the gift of eternal life with You and all Your children. Help me to cling to You, and the promises written in scripture and whispered by the Spirit. When hard seasons cloud my vision of You, may Your presence and comfort be profound. I know the best is yet to come. In Your Mighty Name, Amen.