When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
THERE IS INCREDIBLE POWER THAT COMES FROM FACING IMPOSSIBLE PAIN.
LIFE CANNOT BE MEASURED BY HOW MUCH TIME WE GET, BUT BY EVERY MOMENT WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF.
That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. Luke 24:13-35
Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Luke 24:31
And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem Luke 24:33
“He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. Luke 24:19
We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. Luke 24:21
ADMITTING DEFEAT IS ALWAYS PREMATURE WHEN JESUS IS INVOLVED. THE RESURRECTION IS PROOF OF THAT!
but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” Luke 24:29
Within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. Luke 24:33
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
1. THOSE WHO MUST RUN TOWARDS THEIR FEAR
FAITH IS NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU SHOULD DO, BUT DOING WHAT YOU SHOULD DO!
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 NIV
2. THOSE WHO MUST WAIT FAITHFULLY IN THIS SEASON
FAITH DOESN’T ALWAYS CALL YOU TO GO. SOMETIMES IT CALLS YOU TO STAY.
“Build homes, and plan to stay; Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”;“You will be in Babylon for seventy years. Jeremiah 29:5-7;10
3. THOSE WHO MOVE MUST BEYOND THEIR PAST
If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20
PERFECTION IS NEVER GODS REQUIREMENT. JUST GROWTH!
TAKE HOME
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11
I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 1 Corinthians 9:23-25
“We have all of eternity to celebrate the victories of this life but only a few short hours of light to win them.” Levi Lusko