The first person Jesus revealed Himself to after His resurrection wasn’t one of the Twelve or a religious leader, it was Mary Magdalene. A woman once bound by darkness, now transformed by mercy. This was no accident. It was a declaration of God’s heart. Those who have been rescued deeply often recognize Him most clearly. (Mark 16:9-11)
The greater the redemption, the deeper the recognition.
Mary, once tormented, became the first evangelist of the resurrection. But when she told the disciples what she saw they didn’t believe her. These were the very ones who walked with Jesus daily. They had heard the promise firsthand. Still, they couldn’t see past their grief and disappointment. Pain has a way of hardening our hope.
I can often find myself in this same place. Not necessarily broken, but driven and trying to carry the weight all by myself. Trying to perform when faith feels fragile. When I sense God’s presence fading or His voice seems quiet, I start moving harder, faster. Doing more. Believing less.
And yet, I should know better. Because I’ve seen too much.
God has moved in my life. He’s spoken, confirmed and revealed time and time again. My guess is that He’s done the same for anyone reading this today. But when wounds weigh heavy or prayers feel unanswered, it’s easy to forget. Easy to become numb. To stop listening. To miss the evidence of His faithfulness right in front of us.
That’s why belief isn’t just a feeling. It’s a decision. A CHOICE to trust His Word over our wounds. To lean into His promise, even in pain. Just like marriage or parenting, faith is a daily choice to show up, even when the feelings aren’t convenient.
The journey we walk through grief, healing, journaling, and the quiet whisper of God’s voice is its own resurrection story. It’s not secondhand conviction. It’s proof. Living proof.
Jesus still appears to those He’s redeemed and ones who are on the path to Him. He still calls me…He calls you…to believe.
Even when it’s hard.
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