“Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.”

One of the hardest times to think and plan for the future is when we are being faced with current challenges and obstacles that feel like we have a cloud over us or are in the darkest of times. It’s not unusual for some in this circumstance to just fold up and quit.  But, we can’t do that.  We must persevere with what we believe is right for our employees, our customers and our shareholders.  I’m loving the stories of the resurgence of Barnes and Noble bookstores.  For all intent and purposes it appeared to them and everyone else that trying to retail books, music and paper goods out of a big box store was like operating in the dark ages.  But, out of the darkness, they are reemerging and having great and growing results.  Yes, just because it feels and looks dark doesn’t mean great things can’t happen.

While in Easter service at Southeastern Christian Church in Louisville, a member of the Preaching team (in a short sermon before communion time) spoke about how she had been reading the resurrection story and was struck by five words that she had glossed over in the past; “While it was still dark”.  Mary had come to the tomb in the morning before the sun was up and lo and behold she found that the Son had already risen, while it was still dark.  And, isn’t that what God does for us?  While it is still dark for us and wow, does it ever feel dark these days with all that is going on around us, Jesus shows up for us as the light of the world that we need.  We may be feeling in the dark today, but if we look for Him, He is risen and shining. Can we take that assurance with us to work today?

Reference:  John 20:1 (New Living Translation)