Emmaus Experiences

"Come to Me with your gaping emptiness... Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My fullness... If you persevere in this dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and Peace have become your companions. You may not realize at what point they joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their presence." (368)
This devotional reminded me of the two deeply discouraged disciples walking down the road to Emmanus after the crucifixion of their beloved leader and friend, Jesus. Their conversation was filled with disappointment concerning the events over the last few days. What they had hoped for was not to be. Their expectations had been met with an overwhelming defeat...the death of their leader and the death of their dream!
In the midst of it all, a stranger stepped alongside, paced with them, and joined in their discussion. It was not until much later, in the evening, that their eyes were opened and they realized... they'd been in the midst of an unfolding miracle... the resurrection of the impossible... a Risen Saviour!
This story from Luke 24:13-35 holds several great insights that can be applied to our journey as present-day followers of Christ.
1. While the death of a dream may leave us discouraged, we do not need to be hopeless.
2. When we hyper-focus on disappointments we tend to overlook divine appointments!
Somewhere along the way "Joy and Peace" come alongside and the Presence of Jesus can cause "our hearts (to) burn within us as He talks to us." (Luke 24:32)
I've had Emmaus experiences that are so disappointing and so painful that I could not see how any good would ever come from it. But, somewhere along the way, my heart begins to "burn" with His Presence and I know Jesus is somewhere nearby and what seems impossible will become my new reality.
Emmanuel means "God with us." That's what I need to focus on when I'm "feeling sluggish, inadequate" and deeply disappointed. But, today, I am...
Enjoying Emmanuel on the Emmaus Road ..dmc