Faith: At Easter, we are reminded that even amid tragic times, a new destiny awaits

It was the nightmare of circumstances they could not have imagined. Their peaceful abode had been interrupted by government forces imposing their powerful will upon a vulnerable group. Their leader had been arrested and taken by force to face a tribunal they knew was so prejudiced against him that the idea of a fair hearing was a mockery. They were also surprised by the sense of panic that overwhelmed them, causing this close-knit group to scatter, each trying just to survive. It was not safe to be found together. They could not believe the defections, even denials by trusted members of their fellowship.

In their private huddles, they realized their livelihoods, careers and way of life had been destroyed in a moment. The shock was soon replaced with a seething anger they were afraid to express to anyone. Where was God when they needed him? Their leader had spoken such encouraging words of faith and optimism. He taught them to believe God would hear their prayers – if only they would ask! But faith took a nosedive when they watched him being led away “as a lamb to the slaughter.” Either he couldn’t do anything about what was happening, or he wouldn’t. Either possibility was too baffling to entertain.

They had invested their whole lives in promoting the message of their leader. Most of them had left businesses behind and placed their personal plans on hold for what they thought was a more noble cause. Some of them even had sacrificed time with their families in order to devote themselves to a higher good. Now what were they to think of this tragic turn of events?

Their nightmare only worsened as the practical implications began to settle in the next two days. The leaders they looked to for direction, those who always had an answer in the past, were emotional wrecks, sobbing like babies. It was useless to seek counsel from their friends because they were in the same state of confusion. They had all reached their wit’s end.

Then hope dawned in a most unusual way. Mary Magdalene, a woman rescued from a checkered past, breathlessly pounded on the locked door, claiming she had just come from an encounter with their crucified leader outside the grave. She was commissioned to declare the wonderful news for the first time: “Jesus was alive from the grave and was going to resurrect their dashed hopes, dreams, and ruined careers.” Although it was hard to accept in the moment, their best days were still ahead of them.

Easter came just in time for the huddled, hunkered disciples of Jesus. And this year, it has come just in time for all of us who never imagined we would ever be in our present situation. We are dealing with anger, confusion, fear, panic and loss of employment, and most of us are confined to our locked residences, afraid of an invisible enemy lurking in the streets.

What happened to “Your Best Life Now,” and all of God’s promises to watch over us? Are the pep talks and encouraging words of trust just fodder for the sanctuaries of our worship centers? If God’s promises do not apply to us now, when can we count on them? Faith must incubate in the darkness of a nightmare of conflicting circumstances before hope can be born on the wings of a better tomorrow. Just ask Simon Peter, draped over a lonely rock, sobbing until his sides ached.

That is what Easter is all about, turning tragedy into a new destiny.

When you don’t know what to do, just wait while honestly expressing your heart to a listening God. Because I think I hear hope breathlessly pounding on the door.