When We Can't See Jesus!

The angel spoke to the women, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for JESUS, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.” •Matthew 28:5-6

How often am I looking for Jesus where He isn’t? Often among Christians, when there are discussions concerning a hard situation or decision that must be made, I will hear someone say, “Let’s take it to the cross.”

Hmmm…yes, Jesus died on the cross for my sins. My first stop as a sinner is at the cross to confess my sins and ask forgiveness so that I can receive His salvation. And once I have been saved, I get to live the rest of my life on this side of heaven, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, in me. So, when I face a hard situation, or have to make a difficult decision, I wonder if the next best stop would be the throne, where Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father.

Why would I take my worries, concerns, fears, decisions…to the cross when the One I need help from is no longer there? Jesus isn’t on the cross. He isn’t in the tomb. Jesus is risen from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3).

Have you ever wondered why you haven’t heard the voice of Jesus in a while, or felt His presence? I know many of you have, because I have heard that question so often as I have the honor of sitting with so many who hurt or are confused. I also asked that question when I was in the throes of depression and grief.

Could it be that Jesus is waiting for you to pick up your cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24)? That in the strength of the Holy Spirit now in us, we can, with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in [our] time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I am thankful my Holy Spirit is always with me and guiding me every step of the way. If I pay close attention to my internal GPS, He will get me right where I am supposed to be – at the throne of grace.

-Michelle