How do you handle the disappointments of life—the times when trials and tragedies strike suddenly and leave you wondering what you will do? Is your first response one of shock and disbelief? Do you cry out, “Lord, why did this happen? Why didn’t You stop it? What have I done to cause this?”

 

One man recently said, “I don’t understand why God has allowed me to experience such pain. I just feel like giving up.”

 

My reply: “Don’t! Never give up, because God has a plan for the disappointments and suffering you face.”

 

Yet, immediately following the crucifixion, the disciples would have dismissed this advice. They went into hiding for fear that they would also be tried and condemned to death. John and Peter, along with the remaining handpicked disciples, cowered in a small room that had been the site of the Passover dinner the night before.

 

Other followers left Jerusalem with heavy hearts and headed to their homes in nearby cities. Their minds could not comprehend what had taken place. Jesus was dead.

 

A week before the crucifixion, they had celebrated His entrance into the city in preparation for the Passover. No one could have imagined that a few days later, Jesus—the One they believed would free them from the tyranny of Roman rule—would be dead as a result of crucifixion. The idea was inconceivable. Yet it happened. Tragedy struck without warning. And when it did, the dreams Christ’s disciples held for the future died too. Stunned beyond words, they fumbled for some flicker of hope—some sign from heaven that the events of the past few hours had not really taken place. But they had. To clinch this fact in their minds, they needed only to visit the sealed tomb where the hastily buried body of their Lord and Savior lay.

 

Though the Bible does not record it, we can imagine Peter, or better yet, Thomas asking more than once, “How could this happen? Why did it happen? He was just here. I can still remember the sound of His voice and the touch of His hand on my shoulder. Why, God? Why?”

 

on the way to Emmaus

 

It is okay to ask the Lord why He has allowed you to face an unforeseen tragedy or problem. He may or may not answer your question, but either way, the only things that truly matter are the focus of your faith and the fact that He is at work in your life. He has not forgotten you.

 

Remember, the Lord is not the author of pain and sorrow. We live in a fallen world, and problems are a part of the natural landscape of life. Yet, in many cases, God uses the disappointments we suffer to draw us closer to Himself. He does not want us to waste our sorrows. There is much to learn through difficulty, if we will allow Him to teach us.

 

Before His death, Jesus told the disciples He would suffer and die. However, they did not listen to His words—not really—and certainly not with their hearts. If they had, the crucifixion would not have disheartened them so, because Jesus also told them that after three days, He would rise again (Mark 8:31). They had heard the words but failed to comprehend the truth God gave them. Like many of us, when tragedy hit, they fell apart emotionally and mentally.

 

On the way home to Emmaus, two of Jesus’ followers discussed the events of the past week. They were so wrapped up in their thoughts that they barely noticed the stranger who began to walk beside them.

 

We have all probably experienced a time like this—when we were so wrapped up in our emotions that, while talking to one or two people, we did not notice others nearby. The Bible, in fact, tells us these men “were prevented from recognizing Him” (Luke 24:16). God may have allowed their blindness in order to reveal His risen Son in a way that would have the most powerful impact on them.

 

After a few paces, Jesus asked, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another?” (v.17) Luke tells us that when the men heard this question, they “stood still, looking sad.” They were shocked and probably thought, Where have you been for the past 24 hours? Did you not hear that Jesus Christ was crucified? He was then spoke truth to their hearts. “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” He said. “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26) Christ’s death on the cross was necessary in order for us to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. These men had not taken into account that the Lord had a plan in mind. In the short time He was with them, Jesus opened their minds to God’s truth in a fresh, new way. Their passion was rekindled and their hope returned. As they approached the city of Emmaus, they begged the Savior to stay. Later, as they sat down for dinner, Jesus picked up the bread on the table, blessed it, broke it, and then handed the pieces to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they knew the Savior was with them. the One we hoped would redeem Israel. His death has affected everyone in Jerusalem and the surrounding towns—and the city is teeming with Passover visitors. How could you not know about it?

 

However, the Savior’s compassion for these two men was great. He listened as they recounted every detail leading up to His crucifixion. He never interrupted. Instead, He loved them even though the light of their faith had grown dim. He understood the sense of loss they felt, but He also knew this loss would soon be transformed into eternal hope.

 

fresh hope

 

Jesus could have appeared to kings and princes, but He chose these men—men who were brokenhearted, discouraged, and anxious about the future. He knew their faith was waning, but rather than chastise them, He walked with them and then spoke truth to their hearts. “O foolish men and slow of heart to

believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” He said. “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26) Christ’s death on the cross was necessary in order for us to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. These men had not taken into account that the Lord had a plan in mind. In the short time He was with them, Jesus opened their minds to God’s truth in a fresh, new way. Their passion was

rekindled and their hope returned. As they approached the city of Emmaus, they begged the Savior to stay. Later, as they sat down for dinner, Jesus picked up the bread on the table, blessed it, broke it, and then handed the pieces to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they knew the Savior was with them.

 

You may be at a point where you think there is little hope left. Perhaps your dreams have been shattered, your heart has been broken, and your goals for the future derailed. Or it could be that you have never experienced the amazing love of God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus came to these men, He will come to you. The grave is empty, the Savior has risen, the stone has been rolled away, and His nail-scarred hands are outstretched in your direction.

 

rekindled passion

There are three things we can learn from this account.

 

We, like the disciples, need the Savior.

The heartache these men faced was so deep that nothing could ease their pain. They faced a sudden loss unequal to anything they had ever experienced.

 

Many people face one difficulty after another. They have never considered the eternal freedom that comes from confessing sin and receiving God’s forgiveness.

 

The Lord told His followers, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37). If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, you can do so right now. He loves you unconditionally, and He has a plan for your life.

 

Sometimes a course correction is needed—mentally and physically. The disciples were headed home, where they could languish in their sorrow. Jesus, however, had made it clear He would return. He had told them, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for

you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

The men had shifted their focus from God and instead fixed it on their circumstances apart from Christ. When our thoughts begin to tumble toward depression and anxiety, our physical health usually suffers. Feeling sick and fearful, we consider giving up. But God wants us to know that, just as He had a plan for the resurrection, He has a plan for the difficulties we face. When we trust Him, He brings good out of every heartache, disappointment, and trial.

 

At times, we need to “return to Jerusalem.” After the crucifixion, these followers of Jesus, along with the disciples in Jerusalem, thought everything was over—all that the Lord had taught them seemed to have vanished. No one said, “He promised He would not leave. Therefore, I know He will be back.” Instead, they huddled in the upper room, waiting and wondering what would happen next, or they headed for home.

 

There are times when you will not know the next step to take. However, God does. He knows the beginning and He knows the end. If you will turn to Him and ask Him to make His will for your life clear, He will do it.

 

These men’s eyes were opened to God’s truth the moment Jesus broke the bread they were about to eat. He handed it to them, and then He was gone. But they knew in their hearts that He had not disappeared. He was alive! As a result, the next step they took was toward Jerusalem.

 

My prayer for you this Easter is that the eyes of your heart will be set on the Savior. Allow Him to take

control of every area of your life, and you also will experience fresh hope and a rekindled passion for God.