The reality of Christ’s triumph over sin and death changed the disciples’ lives forever and can transfigure any situation we face.

Do you ever find it difficult to believe? In the midst of painful circumstances, is it sometimes challenging to trust that your situation can ever be better or that something good can come from it?

Even the disciples who walked with Jesus were completely devastated after the crucifixion. The Savior had told them repeatedly, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). Yet they doubted. They simply could not see past their human perceptions or expectations to claim His promises.

The disciples were brokenhearted and despondent. They felt absolutely helpless. Deep within their hearts, they believed it was all over. They had seen Jesus suffer and die on the cross with their own eyes. From their perspective, all of their hopes and dreams had been irrevocably dashed. Why? John 20:9 tells us, “As yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.”

How often do you and I get caught up in the same attitude of defeat? We’re overwhelmed by our circumstances because we’re focused on our limited comprehension of them instead of the Father’s awesome purposes. Yet if we could see past our imperfect understanding to our extraordinary Redeemer, we would be filled with joy. Our lives would be radically transformed—just as the disciples were after the resurrection.

Nothing—not even death—can separate us from God once we accept Christ as our Savior.

We would do well to remember the life-changing truths the disciples learned after Jesus rose from the grave. The reality of Christ’s triumph over sin and death changed their lives forever and can transfigure any situation we face—filling it with hope.

So what did they discover?

First, they realized that God always succeeds in carrying out His plans. Jesus promised to pay for our transgressions and deliver us from the penalty of death—and that is exactly what He did (Luke 24:46-48). There was no power on earth that could divert Him from achieving His goal … not the Sanhedrin, nor even the great Roman army.

The same is true in your life. Regardless of what you face or how your situation currently appears, the Lord is greater. He has conquered the grave and can overcome any problem you encounter. Therefore, continue walking in the center of His will. He is certain to keep all of His promises to you.

Second, the disciples learned that nothing—not even death—can separate us from God once we trust Christ as our Savior (Rom. 8:31-39). Although the disciples thought they had lost Jesus through the crucifixion, the resurrection showed them they would never be divided from Him again.

Likewise, we have been reconciled to the Father forever. This means we always have Him with us—guiding, teaching, and providing for us. No matter how lonely or helpless we may feel, the fact is, we are never alone or powerless. The Lord God Almighty, our Comforter and Defender, will never leave, fail, or forsake us.

Third, the disciples discovered that in the grand scope of things, any adversity we experience is temporary because Jesus has given us eternal life. Although they knew they would face resistance and persecution as they preached the gospel, the disciples understood the Father would ultimately deliver them—whether on earth or by taking them to their home in heaven (1 Pet. 4:12-19). Their futures were absolutely secure because they were in God’s loving and capable hands.

He has conquered the grave and can overcome any problem you encounter.

Again, you have the same assurance. You may feel as if your situation is impossible to overcome. It may appear unending, and you may be weary and disheartened. But don’t give up hope. Cling to the promise that God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. Keep seeking Him, and He will deliver you from the trials you’re enduring.

Now I ask you to look deep within your heart and be completely honest with yourself and with the Father. Do you have doubts? Are you finding it difficult to believe in the Lord because of the troubles you’re experiencing? Is it challenging to trust that your situation can ever be better or that something good can come from it?

You can experience victory if you will apply these three important principles to your life. The Lord will succeed in carrying out His plans and keep all of His promises to you. Nothing—not even death—can separate you from the Father, so you will never be alone or helpless. And no matter what happens to you—it is only temporary. Eventually, God will set you free from the problems you face.

Keep reminding yourself of these triumphant truths from the resurrection because that is the way to true and lasting victory—today and every day. May our risen Savior remind you of these certainties and encourage your heart deeply, abundantly, and with never-ending joy.

Resurrection