Blog Post
Posted by Dion Todd September 7th, 2024 1,323 Views 29 Comments
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." John 20:14–16 WEB.
Mary and the disciples of Jesus thought He would become king like David and boot the Roman occupiers out of Israel. Instead, they watched as Jesus was arrested, beaten, and crucified, and His lifeless body was placed in a tomb. It was so final and shocking.
Early the next morning, Mary Magdalen stood at His tomb, grief-stricken and heartbroken. Jesus stood right in front of her, yet she didn't recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener.
When my Dad passed away, it was like life was suspended for a time. Things seemed detached, unreal, and just plain wrong. Everything seemed surreal, and I hoped to wake up soon. But as days turned into weeks, and months turned into years, life without him gradually became the new normal. It wasn't easy, and I still miss him, but our life goes on, and we must adapt to change.
When traumatizing things occur, like suddenly losing a loved one, we seem to step into the twilight zone for a bit. It's our way of avoiding the reality we can't face. We all have to face times like this in our life. If you live long enough, you will see all your friends pass on before you.
Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. If you want a sobering look at life, take a walk through a cemetery and look at the dates. Even though the cycle of life is nothing new, few are prepared for it to end. For believers, death is merely a transition to something better.
The Holy Spirit is there with us to bring comfort during these trying times. However, we may not recognize Him, just as Mary didn't recognize Jesus standing right in front of her. He is "The Comforter." God gives us space during these times of grief, and He doesn't hold our anger or outbursts against us, for He understands what we are going through. He lost a loved One as well and knows how it feels.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please send me the Comforter today, for I need a touch from You. Fill me up to where I will not feel so empty, and dry my tears. Please bring Your Son shine back into my life Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
Post from Wanda Pennington
2 months ago
Heavenly Father, please send me the Comforter today, for I need a touch from You. Fill me up to where I will not feel so empty, and dry my tears. Please bring Your Son shine back into my life Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
I lost my husband 2/21 after 51 years together and some days I'm still in a twilight zone. More and more everyday it does get a little easier. Help me Jesus to find more joy back to my life, for Steve would have not wanted me to be sad. Amen
Post from Valeri Frank
2 months ago
I woke up this morning not feeling well... I have covid again. I'm not surprised though. I don't have a spleen to help me fight this off. I'm just asking for continued prayers 🙏🏼 I pray and ask the Lord to watch over all of you and to keep you safe from this terrible virus and all illnesses. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. I really need them. Again, thank you... I'm trying really hard not to get discouraged. This is a very trying time for me...
Comment from Sherry Mccosh
2 months ago
prayers for you Valeri for fast healing and for comfort while you wait for healing. God can do all things and He will heal you, while you are down, just cry out to God when ever you can asking for His healing and comfort while you are waiting to be healed.
Comment from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
2 months ago
I'm a bit late, Valeri, and I hope and pray that you are starting to feel a little better? May the Lord speed up your recovery and give you restful nights!! "Numbers 6:24-26" 🙏🤗
Comment from Sheila Wood
2 months ago
Praying for your complete healing.
Comment from Scott Riegelmann
2 months ago
Sending prayers!
Comment from Dan Remley
2 months ago
I am praying for comfort, health and healing ❤️ God bless Valeri
Comment from Susan Petho
2 months ago
Praying for you, Valeri.
Comment from Shara Abel
2 months ago
Praying for you to get better and to build your strength and immunity.
Comment from Debi Burton
2 months ago
Lord Jehovah, By Jesus’s stripes Valeri is healed from covid. Keep Valeri safe and strong to overcome this virus and illnesses…. Thank you for all you do for her in Jesus’s name, Amen😔
Comment from Kathi Matter
2 months ago
My prayers for you Valeri for a quick recovery!
Comment from Kathi Matter
2 months ago
My prayers for you Valeri for a quick recovery!
Comment from Yvette York
2 months ago
Sending prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery 🙏🏾
Comment from Celeste Strenn
2 months ago
Please dear Lord Jesus please help Valeri, with strength and healing, with your love and peace 🙏
Comment from Scott Riegelmann
2 months ago
Sending prayers for complete healing!😇
Comment from Lynn Brown
2 months ago
Prayers for a complete and speedy healing, Valeri. 🙏
Comment from Mark Williams
2 months ago
In my prayers.
Comment from David Krull
2 months ago
Father. I pray the healing blood of Jesus over Valerie. I speak Jesus into her life, her body. Heal and restore her quickly. I speak to covid and command it to leave her body permanently…I believe in healing and miracles and I ask for one on her behalf ..pour out Your Spirit upon her. Sustain her in Jesus Christ Name.
Post from Jackie Dawson
2 months ago
Sending prayers to you Valeri
Post from Wesley Paulus
2 months ago
Amen!
God please send the comforter to me in times where I feel lonely and down. Touch me with your Holy Spirit and bring peace and happiness in my life. Amen ❤️
Thank you so much for this devotional. My younger sister passed away Easter Sunday and it has been so hard, just as you described... I thought I was prepared after her long battle going downhill, but I was not... unreal, like the twilight zone... thank you for the encouraging words... the Holy Spirit is with me to help comfort and guide... we are never alone.
Comment from Sylvia Todd
2 months ago
I'm so very sorry for your loss, sister, praying for His peace and comfort 💛🙏 (((HUGS)))
Comment from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
2 months ago
Dear Shara, I'm so sorry for your loss, may the Lord wrap His loving arms around you and fill your heart with peace!! I still remember when I lost my beloved Grandma, which happened many many years ago, she was actually the one who held our family together! It seems that I was crying for almost an entire year, and to this date, when I talk to one of my brothers, closest to me age wise, we still become teary eyed! But, the greatest comfort is knowing that she's waiting for me!! God bless you dear sister!! 🙏🤗
Comment from Susan Petho
2 months ago
Shara, I am so very sorry for your great loss.
Post from Sylvia Todd
2 months ago
Good morning, y'all, happy Saturday! 🌻😀
Comment from Lynn Brown
2 months ago
Happy Saturday RHM family!🌞
Replies to this comment
Post from Mari Kaufmann
2 months ago
I’m in the Twilight Zone. God help me Amen
Post from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
2 months ago
Amen and AMEN!!! Thank you so much Pastor Dion for this message as we all go through the grieving process, and little by little the Lord will fill that empty hole in our hearts with His love, with His comfort, thank you Lord Jesus, Amen!!!
Post from Susan Petho
2 months ago
Amen!
Post from Laura Manusa-silova
2 months ago
Amen🙌🌈❤️🔥🍇🔥🙏
Post from Bella Colliander
2 months ago
Amen!🕊️
Post from Sherry Mccosh
2 months ago
Awesome Devotion today, thanks so much for this one and all the ones you do for us. They are very appreciated. Blessing to everyone here at Refreshing Hope Ministries and especially to Pastor Dion Todd and Sylvia for all you both do!!! God bless!!
Post from Kevin J. Eck
2 months ago
Father, I thank you for the Peace you give me from our Comforter when in need! In Jesus name, Amen!
Post from Yvette York
2 months ago
AMEN Good Morning Everyone 😀
Post from Debi Burton
2 months ago
Heavenly Father, please send me the Comforter today, for I need a touch from You. Fill me up to where I will not feel so empty, and dry my tears. Please bring Your Son shine back into my life Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen! ❤️🤟🏻
Post from Laura Clark
2 months ago
Amen 🙏
Post from Celeste Strenn
2 months ago
Amen🤗
Post from Scott Riegelmann
2 months ago
Amen thank you Father for being so understanding!😍
Heavenly Father, please send me the Comforter today, for I need a touch from You. Fill me up to where I will not feel so empty, and dry my tears. Please bring Your Son shine back into my life Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Post from Kay Collinsworth
2 months ago
Amen
Amen
Post from David Krull
2 months ago
Amen. Thank you Jesus for this day and for this life You have given me.
Post from Elena Vasquez
2 months ago
Amen
Post from Linda Clark
2 months ago
Amen praise Jesus for all his blessings
Post from Dana Rozell
2 months ago
Amen!
Post from Schalk de Beer
2 months ago
Yes, amen Lord.
Post from Marisa Jackson
2 months ago
Amen ❤️❤️🙏🙏!!!
Comment from Dan Remley
2 months ago
God bless you Wanda❤️ I pray that the Lord brings you comfort and fills your life with happiness. In Jesus name I pray Amen ❤️
Comment from Susan Petho
2 months ago
Wanda, I am so very sorry for your great loss.