"[F]earful yet overjoyed . . . " (Matthew 28:8).
The Gospel today tells us that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away from the tomb "fearful yet overjoyed" (Matthew 28:8). Have you ever had a time in your life when you were fearful yet overjoyed?
When we have a holy calling it can sometimes be both terrifying and joyful. It is wonderful to have a divinely appointed task, but pretty scary as well. When God calls us to something new—maybe a new ministry, a new (hard) friendship, tackling some conflict or a hard conversation, a life transition—it can be really hard, even when it is joyful.
I remember being fearful and terrified when I finally selected my graduate school program. Similarly, I was terrified yet joyful about having my first child (and really every child since!). When I starting the parenting podcast, I was petrified. Changes are exciting, but they are hard. They are especially hard when we don’t anticipate them or they catch us by surprise.
As earthy beings, we get comfortable in the routine, in the predictable, in the normal. When we are asked to make a change or do something dramatic, it is natural to feel intimidated. It is natural to question or challenge the calling. But when we move along on the path God has placed us upon, it is in that obedient movement where we encounter Jesus.
The two Marys ran away from the tomb to announce the news as instructed, and it was in doing so that they met Jesus.
He gives each of us the chance to take that path, or to stay where we are, but if we want to meet Him on the journey He places before us, we have to make the choice to get moving.
In this Easter season, is there some journey you have felt a nudging in your heart to take? Maybe it is time to take those first steps on the path He has laid before you. Jesus is waiting just around the bend, so do not be afraid.
Clear your mind by spending time reading Scripture this week and start fresh with His grace in this Easter season.
Dr. MaryRuth Hackett is the host of the podcast Parenting Smarts. She loves historical fiction, dark chocolate, watching her children play soccer, a good cup of coffee (decaf please) and the quiet of the early morning. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and has a passion for helping parents understand the way their children grow and develop. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.
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