In the Waiting: Easter is Coming

I think it’s a bit of a shame that we don’t do more to acknowledge the first full day after Jesus’ death, the first Saturday, that first period of waiting. We solemnly acknowledge Friday and the gruesome crucifixion that took place but we celebrate in light of the coming hope that we know Easter Sunday brings. But the first Christians on Easter Sunday did not know what Sunday held for them. Many of them had risked their lives to follow a radical man that was now dead. So for them, Saturday was not just a day in between. It was a full day of grief over the events of the day before, confusion over what God was doing, and fear over what the future held for them. That sounds just a little like how many of us may be spending our days right now. I think we can learn a lesson from those first believers on what to do in times of waiting: Remember God’s promises and trust God’s process.

In the waiting, the disciples forgot Jesus’ promises, or prophecies. Though Jesus prophesied that he would be resurrected on the third day, when things didn’t go as they planned and Jesus died, many of his followers thought his words died with him. Because of this, many of them were in various forms of disbelief when Jesus was resurrected- some didn’t believe it, didn’t recognize him, thought he was a ghost, etc. Though things may not being going as you planned right now, God is still in control. He always keeps his promises. He will never leave you. He is your helper and your provider. He hears you when you call to him. The book of Psalms is rich with reminders of God’s promises if you find yourself starting to forget them. Though times are hard and uncertain right now, cling to God’s promises in the waiting because they are certain.

In the waiting, God’s process just didn’t make sense. This man that they had believed to be their Messiah was now dead. That certainly wasn’t the way any of them would have done things. As we look back on the story, we of course know that Jesus had to die to pay the price for our sins. But I don’t believe the first disciples realized all of that in their time of waiting. Hindsight makes it easy to understand God’s process, but trusting God’s process in the waiting can be a challenge. The world is a confusing place right now. It’s easy to turn on the news and wonder why God is allowing this to continue. It’s easy to look at the way this is impacting our personal lives and feel even more confused, afraid, and maybe even a bit betrayed by God. Perhaps someday hindsight will give us some clarity, or perhaps not. Regardless, in the waiting, remember that he is sovereign and trust him in the process. Think back on other times that you didn’t understand what God was doing but he proved himself faithful. If he’s been faithful before he will be faithful again. Trust God’s process in the waiting.

Remember that “Easter” is coming. The waiting doesn’t last forever. Trials never go on forever. God is working things out for his glory and he will come through his children. Though it may be further away than we’d like, there will be an end to these hard times. God will come through on his promises and his process does have a purpose. Waiting is not easy, but hang in there and have hope because Easter is coming.