Watching & Waiting
“As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.”
Matthew 27:57–61, NLT
Have you ever found yourself disappointed in a season of waiting? I know for me personally, there is nothing more frustrating than having to wait when my need feels urgent and immediate.
This passage of Scripture has really stood out to me recently. We have the privilege of knowing how the story ends. We get to read through the chapters and books of the Bible and see the full picture. But our biblical heroes? They had to live it out moment by moment, day by day.
For you and me, we can read through Matthew 27 and feel the weight of what the Marys were walking through… but we also have the hope of chapter 28, where we see Jesus resurrected and commissioning the disciples. We feel their pain for a moment, but relief comes quickly as we read on.
Yet, for the Marys... they were truly left watching and waiting. I can only imagine what they were feeling. They had seen, with their own eyes, the power and miracles of Jesus! They believed He was God! And yet, there they were—watching as their Savior was laid in a tomb, sealed behind a stone.
I think it’s safe to say that many of us have felt just like Mary and Mary. We’ve seen God move in mighty ways. We’ve seen Jesus come through and meet our needs. Some of us have witnessed miracles—powerful, supernatural moments that only God could orchestrate. And even still, there are times when, despite all we’ve seen, we’re left facing a need that leaves us... watching and waiting.
Are you in that place right now? Wrestling with the reality of your life and circumstances, because it’s not what you thought it would be? Let me encourage you today: joy comes in the morning—even if it’s three days later.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in the believer today. You and I have access to a hope and peace that surpasses all understanding—not because of who we are, but because of who Jesus is. He is faithful—even when we are faithless.
So hold on to your faith. Hold on to your confidence in Jesus. Hold on to the truth of His Word. You may be in a season of watching and waiting, but I believe breakthrough is coming.
Jesus, I pray that Your presence and peace would be felt by those reading this today. You are with them. You are for them. In this season of watching and waiting, I pray You would be the friend that sticks closer than a brother. Draw near to the brokenhearted. Joy truly does come in the morning. Let there be breakthrough. In Your mighty name I pray—Amen.
