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Easter and the resurrection of Jesus remind me that there is an end to sadness. That fact strengthens me to endure the journey through the wilderness of a fallen world that surrounds me. Reflecting on moments of loss since my husband left this world for heaven can still draw tears no matter how many years have passed. Sadness can be a stubborn and unwelcome companion for me as a widow. Yet, scripture assures me that sadness’s grip will not last forever. God sets before my eyes the glories of my future blessings.

While I know my passage to glory is secure, it is sometimes filled with sadness. Although the pain I have experienced is real, its presence is temporary. The Christian life is a journey that requires God’s spiritual provision. I realize that I cannot survive the journey alone. Indeed Jesus welcomes and strengthens me through ordinary means. Often the local church or fellow believers can become an outpost in my wilderness.

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2(ESV)

I began to look through scripture for examples of people that supported one another and worked together to fulfill God’s plan. As I considered the wilderness that the Israelites faced, I found that Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses to hold up his arms during battle so the Israelites could accomplish a victory. I began to pray for God to provide encouragement and support through friends and believers in my church. I need to be willing to share my needs and be transparent with others.

Just as God supplied the Israelites with manna from heaven and fresh drinking water from the rock along their wilderness journey, He now has provided His word and His presence as I embark on a lifetime journey of faith. This takes me through difficulty and my faith is fiercely tested by suffering at times. Trouble is often part of life, and God allows me to struggle, but the struggle has purpose. The hard times can grow my faith.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalms 34:18 (ESV)

Following Jesus does not remove me from the wilderness, but if I journey with Him I can receive His strength, His peace, and His destination. If a life and land without sadness and tears is hard to imagine, it’s because I have no frame of reference for such a world. I can only see it from afar by faith.

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:2(ESV)

I know all of us are called to follow Jesus and I can take heart. I am journeying through a fallen and hostile world, yet Christ Jesus welcomes and strengthens me along the way. Now I have known God in the valley and on the mountaintop. I recognize that even when God is silent, He is still present. The waves of sorrow that crash against my soul will one day be stilled. The raging seas of grief will give way to a sea of glass in the blessed presence of the Lord.

Lord,

We come to You thankful for the risen Savior, Jesus. Refresh our memory daily as we search the Bible for support and encouragement. Give us fellow believers to walk through the wilderness of this world. Provide us strength for our journey and the ability to focus on the future with You in our forever home.

In Jesus Name, Amen.