WALKING WITH YOU
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!
Luke 24:28-31 (NLT)
Sometimes, we can feel like we’re going through life alone. Even though we know it’s not true, we might have a hard time feeling that God is with us or even notices us. But I assure you, He’s right there with you.
This story happens on the day Jesus rose from the dead. After Jesus was crucified, his followers didn’t know what to do. A couple of His followers were walking on the road to Emmaus, still grieving and possibly fearing for their lives. Then Jesus shows up and starts walking with them, but they don’t recognize Him. They begin talking about all that has gone on the last few days, how Jesus has been crucified, how they thought He was the Messiah, and how some of His followers say that He has risen from the dead. Jesus begins talking with them about how the entire Bible points to the Messiah.
Suddenly, they realize they’ve been walking with Jesus all day. Jesus had been with them, but they didn’t even realize it. They saw a man but didn’t recognize him as Jesus, the risen Son of God.
You may have been through some type of trauma like these guys had, and you just can’t see that Jesus is right there with you. In fact, He’s been walking with you the whole time. Sometimes, we may see things physically, but we can’t see them from God’s perspective unless we allow Him to open our eyes.
How can I cooperate with the Holy Spirit to see what God wants me to see? So that I see with His perspective? I see what God wants me to see when I trust the Holy Spirit in me.
APPLICATION: Take a step today to notice that Jesus is with you. Read this story throughout the day, text yourself a verse, or take a minute to thank God for being with you.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for sending your Spirit to be with me throughout the day. Please remind me of your presence and help me notice how you’re working around me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?