This story has been simmering in my heart for two weeks now, waiting for the right moment to spill out onto the page. Last night, I finally got the nudge I needed. It all started yesterday morning when I woke up with a clear feeling: I needed to attend a special service at my church. But as the day wore on, I talked myself into thinking, "Nah, it's okay; I don't really need to go." You see, this wasn't a service I usually attended. But then, at precisely 5:06 PM, it felt like the Holy Spirit gave me a gentle shove, urging me to get up and throw on some clothes.

A little after 6 PM, I found myself sitting in my car, staring ahead and muttering to the Lord, "I don't even know why I'm going." But, unbeknownst to me, there was a plan in motion. The moment I stepped into that ministry service, it was like I had a personal audience with the guest speaker. His words struck chords deep within me, addressing questions I hadn't even voiced. It felt like he was reading my mail!

Towards the end of the service, one of our pastors shared a tidbit about a story from Luke 24. The exact same message that has been on my mind for the past two weeks. It's the tale of two believers on a journey from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus.

Just before they set off, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, had been buzzing with excitement after their visit to Jesus' tomb. They encountered two angels who posed a question that echoed deeply: "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Jesus was alive, folks! The tomb was empty, and those three women hurried back to share the remarkable news. But when they told the rest of the disciples and believers who gathered around, they didn't believe them. "Nonsense!" they scoffed (Luke 24:11, NIV).

Enter Cleopas and his companion, who, after everything that had happened in the last three days—Jesus' crucifixion and burial—decided it was time to head home. As they trudged along that familiar road, suddenly, Jesus appeared beside them. But in this encounter, He kept His true identity hidden.

He asked them casually, "What're y'all chatting about as you stroll along?" The two paused, incredulous. "Where have you been, man?! Are you new around here? You don't know what's gone down the past few days?" They launched into the story—the arrest, the trial before the chief priests, the crucifixion—laying out their heavy hopes that He might have redeemed Israel. "And to think, it's been three days since all this went down! On top of that, some women just came bursting in with this wild report!"

Those women claimed they went to the tomb and found it empty! Angels had appeared and told them Jesus was alive. Can you even imagine? It's incredible! And then, as if in disbelief, they recounted how one of their friends went to check it out and confirmed the women were actually telling the truth—Jesus wasn't there anymore!

And there I sat, in that church service, realizing that, like Cleopas and his friend, I was on my own journey of discovery, waiting to see where this story would take me next.

Here comes the kicker. Jesus gives them a gentle smile and asks, "Why is it so hard for you to believe what the prophets foretold all those years ago? You've read these scriptures day after day, yet now, when it has all come to pass, doubt lingers in your hearts."

With boundless grace and mercy, Jesus begins to recount the story of Himself once more, illuminating their understanding with every word. I can't help but marvel at that thought! As they stroll back home, He offers them a revelation that runs deeper than they could have imagined.

When they finally reach their destination—just a short seven miles from Jerusalem—Jesus feigns a desire to continue on His way. But the two travelers, their hearts stirred, urge Him to stay for dinner. As they gather around the table and He takes the bread, giving thanks before breaking it, everything changes. In that sacred moment, a revelation unfolds, and their eyes are opened to see Jesus for who He truly is.

But just as quickly as the realization dawns, He vanishes from their sight. Utterly astonished, they glance at each other, disbelief etched on their faces. "Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke with us on the road and opened the scriptures?" they ask, marveling at the warmth of His presence that lingers still.

How many times have I strolled this familiar path, believing I walked alone while Jesus stood quietly beside me? Countless nights, I've lost myself in tears, convinced that the Lord had forgotten me, when He was right at the foot of my bed, just waiting to comfort me all along. Oh, how naive we can be.

That daunting situation looms large, appearing insurmountable, yet there is Jesus walking alongside you, bringing strength when you feel you have none. The diagnosis that shook your world off its axis—know that Jesus is sitting beside you in that sterile doctor's office, ready to help you find the courage you need. Each time you slip that dreaded envelope from the mailbox, knowing it's another bill you cannot pay, remember: Jesus walked with you every step to the mailbox.

As you hit "send" for yet another job application, feeling defeated after 180 attempts, know this— Jesus is right there, gently watching over your shoulder, ensuring you present your best self with just the right words. And for the son or daughter you've prayed for, who has wandered away for so long, on the brink of feeling like your prayers are only hitting the ceiling—Jesus is on His knees right there with you in the room, interceding for their return, sharing in your anguish.

The truth of His resurrection is real, not a fantasy woven from dreams or nonsense! We've held His Word in our hands for years, pouring over it day after day. Now, more than ever, it's time to believe. Let that flickering flame of awe at who Jesus truly is, begin to blaze brighter than it did yesterday, for there is NO grave that can hold Him down. No circumstance or situation lies beyond His grasp! Remember, there is NOTHING too complicated for our God!

Marvel with me at just how much can change in just seven short miles...keep walking it with Jesus.