Author Darlene J. Conard

Jesus dedicated much time to His disciples, understanding their struggles with fear, doubt, and a lack of understanding. Despite their assurances to remain by His side and not abandon Him during His most challenging trial, they, too, grappled with their assurance. This understanding of their struggle can reassure us in our spiritual journey.

When Jesus arose from the tomb, Mary was so astonished that she initially mistook Him for a gardener. Imagine the overwhelming awe and wonder that must have filled her heart then!

Walking along the sea’s edge, the disciples had questions and doubts about Jesus’s promises. Little did they know that their Redeemer sat among them as guests while they communed at the table. This lack of recognition is an emotional reminder that we, too, may fail to recognize our moments of grace and redemption, highlighting the need for spiritual awareness.

When we first experienced the undeniable power of redemption, we felt Jesus’s presence. Over time, we may forget His promises and grow weary. Numbness can attack our inner spirit, draining us of our liveliness. But as we sit at our table of sorrows, the Lord can clear the setting and replace it with new wine, meat, bread, and comfort. We may have many needs as we wander along the sea of life.

The Lord promises to be there when we need Him.

Take a moment to visualize this.

I have been walking for so long that I am unsure of where I am going, I thought as I wandered along the shore, absentmindedly kicking the soft sand before me. With each step, tiny grains scattered like fragments of my hopes and dreams, carried away by the sea breeze.

Walking alongside me, a man approached from behind as I gazed into the distance. To disperse the silence, I initiated a conversation. “Stranger, have you been walking here for a while?” 

“Quite a long time,” He replied, focusing on my feet. 

The situation struck me as highly unusual. I strongly wanted to question Him about why He was fixated on my feet, but I could not answer.

“So, how long have you been walking?” With a smile, he answered, “I have been right behind you.” Stopping suddenly, I couldn’t help but wonder, “I’ve been walking for quite some time as well. How did you manage to follow behind me without my knowledge? There we stood—a moment suspended in time. As our eyes met with anticipation, he spoke softly, “I was never behind you; all along, I walked before you. “Do you remember me?”

How could I have been blind, I thought. “Jesus?” With shame, I looked away and wept. He had been with me the whole time, and I had failed to recognize Him. I put my hands to my face to cover the shame. “Forgive me, Lord.” With deep sympathy, Jesus pulled me close with a tight embrace. That’s why I shed My blood.” 

Life often captures most of our attention instead of the Lord, even if we only glance away briefly. I was reflecting on the scriptures in Exodus, where the Lord revealed that He is a jealous God, but it is a rightful jealousy. It brings about pain when our focus is elsewhere. The Lord created us for Himself alone, which makes me feel special for the Lord to acknowledge that. He loves me so much that He desires our full attention. (John 1:13-17)

While immersing myself in the scriptures and seeking the Lord for deeper understanding and comfort, I reflected on the disciples’ experience of spending the entire night at sea, feeling their discouragement as they hoped to catch some fish. In the morning, a man stood on the shore, watching them as they struggled to fill their empty nets. Even after receiving the Holy Ghost, they still did not recognize Jesus. (John 20:22-24)

In life, we face times of discouragement. Despite praying and seeking answers from God for what feels like an eternity, we must remember that joy comes in the morning if we recognize our Redeemer, even when the nights seem long. 

Read Luke 24:13-34

Be encouraged to know that you aren’t alone. Jesus is present. Embrace Him when you do not understand.

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