Reading: After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, he appeared to 500 witnesses for about 40 days. Then, the disciples watched him go up into heaven. The church was left here to receive power from the Holy Spirit and to do his work in the world. The church was sent into the world. 

We are in the same “boat” today as the people after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. We have not seen him, but some of us have faith in him, nonetheless. 

For those who have faith, we have joy. We may not always be happy. We actually might feel like we have lost hope at times -- but there is always joy down deep in the heart of a believer because they know that the victory has been won. Believers trust that one day, God will set everything right, and dark moments will disappear forever. The joy is always there.

Yesterday we talked about the refining fire. Today, we acknowledge that God is saving us through the fire. The walk of faith is tested by fire -- especially now that Jesus is not physically with us today. So, how can we believe in him if we haven’t seen him? 

You don’t have to see to believe. We don’t see the wind blowing that flag in center field, but we see the flag wave. We don’t see gravity but we see the ball falling into our glove. We don’t see God, but we see everything that he has made -- which is a testament to a master craftsman. We don’t see Jesus, what he did in the world, or even his death on the cross. We hear about it, sure. We definitely see the impact the gospel has in our world today. 

It is recorded that Jesus said, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

You don’t have to have faith in the wind for the flag to wave, or faith in gravity for the ball to fall -- and you don’t have to have faith in God to receive some common graces, like the air you breathe or the sun on your face. But when you have faith in him, you too will have that joy in the deepest part of your heart and know that everything is under control, even when the whole world comes crashing down.  Faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that will save your soul through it all! 

Reflection: Have you experienced true joy? In what way?

Prayer Prompt: Produce in me a love for others and for you. You gave up your life for me, and let me follow that example for others -- in how I do life in this world. 1 Peter 1:9 says that the end result of faith in you, God, and the work that you have done and are doing results in salvation. Give me faith to trust in you more deeply today. I want to recieve that gift. Help me believe. Fill me with faith, hope, and joy today in what Jesus has done for me and for the world.