"You are witnesses of these things" (Luke 24:48).

The disciples were astonished as Jesus approached them. The crucifixion had come and gone. Jesus was no longer with them as their constant companion and teacher. And yet, there He stood in their midst. "Peace be with you," Jesus spoke. The disciples sat, startled and terrified.

It's wild, isn't it? That we, too, are witnesses of these things. That we, too, can sometimes sit startled and terrified in the mess.

Suffering is everywhere—we see and experience little crucifixions in our own day-to-day. Whether it is dying to self to serve our families, broken relationships within friendship, illnesses that plague people we love, cumbersome financial struggles, or a type of societal death as our society continues to openly reject the truths of our faith. Suffering is here.

But it isn't the end. Suffering is not the end of the story with Jesus.

Though we may move through our lives recognizing the struggle that surrounds us, may we never take our eyes off of Jesus. May we look to His scars and see the beauty in the story they tell: death, heartbreak, challenge, and suffering are not the end of the story and never will be with Him. We are witnesses of these things.

There is so much goodness right here in our midst. Let Jesus' beautiful wounds shed light in your life today, sister. Invite Him to come to you today and be your peace. Call to Him in these moments and sit with Him as He shares with you the story of the Cross and Resurrection.

May we be incredulous for joy and full of amazement because our God has already won the victory and we are the Easter people. Let's live as witnesses of these things today!

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[bctt tweet="God has already won the victory. // Shalini Blubaugh" username="blessedisshe__"]

Fill me with hope in my suffering, Lord Jesus.