We find it difficult to understand the journey of Christ's followers on Good Friday because we live in the light of resurrection truth. We have distanced ourselves from the horror of a day filled with anguish and confusion for those who loved the Lord.

Perhaps it helps, in some small way, to think of a time of great fear and sorrow in our own lives. We waited for biopsy results. We sat in the waiting room of a hospital while a loved one went through surgery. We received a notice of termination from a job. These Good Friday experiences brought tumult to our souls as we called out to God and asked why he had forsaken us in our time of need.

But then, the biopsy came back negative. The surgeon walked into the waiting room and brought good news. A new job came along. And the pain of those days was redeemed by the joy of those moments. We looked back and said, "If only I had known how it would all turn out, it would have been easier."

Did the disciples think that as they sat in the sunlight and heard these final words from Christ? As they received His instruction to go into the world to teach and baptize, did they think, "If only I had known. I would have been faithful. I would have stayed on track."

They could have known. Jesus had given them promises but they hadn't understood.

And now, Jesus gave them another promise.

"I am with you always! Everywhere you go!" Their hearts leapt with the promise. Confirmed by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, this promise gave them courage to walk through the Good Fridays to come.

"But you don't understand," you want to say to me right now. "The valley of my sorrow has lasted for so long. Any hope of an Easter morning turning back the progress of my pain seems impossible."

The biopsy was positive. The news the surgeon brought turned your world upside down. You wonder if you will ever be able to find the work you need.

Jesus says, "I am with you always."

Perhaps the Easter of understanding is yet a long way off, but Jesus walks through the pain with us.

Jesus says, "I am with you always."

Dwell in His presence today. Become familiar with His voice. Rest in His presence when tragedy eclipses your days. Rejoice in His presence as you experience the power of His resurrection at work in your life.

Nothing less than the presence of Christ will give us the hope and strength we need.