Are you walking a troubled road? If you are, you have lots of company. Thousands of people in America are walking troubled roads due to a series of disasters. First, there was the Great Recession, the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Thousands of people lost their jobs and livelihoods and suffered without income or meaningful activity. After the recession, tornados swept through several states, turning homes and businesses into rubble and killing hundreds. Now, a large section of the Midwest has been destroyed by flooding, to the degree and extent not seen in a hundred years.
Luke’s Gospel tells us of two followers of Jesus who walked a troubled road (Luke 24:13-29). They were sad and troubled because their Savior and Lord was tried like a common criminal, found guilty of something, and had been crucified. Their hope and faith was shaken to the core. Adding to their troubled thoughts, they heard rumors that Jesus’ body had disappeared –maybe stolen.
They were talking about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus came and walked along with them, but they didn’t know it was him.
Jesus often comes to us on our troubled road. He promised he would never leave us nor forsake us, and he keeps his promises. The old Gospel hymn states it well when it says, “…and the God of the mountain is the God of the valley, and the God of the good times is the God of the bad.” Jesus comes to us, but like these disciples, we don’t know Him. Jesus speaks to us in different ways. Sometimes we will read a scripture and know it was meant for us. When we gather to worship and listen to the spoken Word of God, we will hear something that Jesus meant especially for us. Jesus often speaks through people who come to us with words of encouragement and hope. Sometimes Jesus comes to us through special events. He is a way-maker. He can make a way for us. He can open doors and bless in wonderful ways, and He often will, if we have faith and are patient (wait upon the Lord).
We need to ask ourselves, “Has Jesus come to us? Will we know Him when He comes?” If we haven’t seen Him, keep waiting and watching. He will be here soon!
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.peopleforthechristianway.com
