Holy Week: Enabled to Trust

Every time I think about the Saturday after the crucifixion, I have to wonder what the disciples were thinking. Each one of them had followed the call, to give up everything and follow their Messiah, to become fishers of men. They had left their families, dreams and careers to pursue the one they believed was the Son of God. This man was the Promised One from God; He was the Savior, who would set His people free, break every chain, rescue the oppressed, and bring triumph over their captors. And now, He was dead.

One of the hardest things about being a follower of Jesus is that we don't know the plan. Many of us are willing to follow Jesus... some even to the extent that the disciples did. We know He has a plan for us, and we have given everything to follow that plan. And suddenly, the door closes.

Gladys Aylward had given everything, to follow the calling of God to be a missionary to China. She knew this was the plan He had for her... but the door was shut. At age 27, she was dismissed from Missionary training school for failing her Bible class. But Gladys had a resolve, through the power of the cross, that nothing could could stop God's plan... not her own failures, not the world's agenda, and not even death. She chose to follow and seek Him, in spite of all the improbabilities of this plan being fulfilled. And as a result of her radical abandonment and trust, she rescued hundreds of lost Chinese souls, and became one of the greatest spiritual warriors of all time.

God may shut doors. I've seen Him do it in my own life. But I have also seen the fact that, if this is truly His plan, He will open an even more glorious passageway.

In this case?  An empty tomb.

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Worship Song: 

"I Will Follow",
by Chris Tomlin