For the first time in seven years, I was in church on Easter morning. The music and message were amazing. Being able to connect with my friends was a blessing.

I was sitting there listening when the Scripture we were reading hit me as it was right where I have been the last few weeks.

Matthew 28:8, “8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 28:8.

Did you catch it? The two Mary’s had just seen an angel and learned that Jesus is alive. They went out with fear and great joy. They were rejoicing and afraid at the same time. Think about it. They had just witnessed the death of the Messiah, fear of the Romans, and now they are being told that Jesus is alive. What did this mean? What was going to happen?

As all of us with medical issues do, these past few weeks I have faced and continue to face uncertainty. I have battled fear while knowing great joy as I wait to see what God is going to do. I have had to ask God to help me be strong in Him while excited for the opportunity to know Him more through the hardship.

This verse resonated as I believe this is where we live, in the land where joy and fear coexist. Where sorrow and rejoicing come simultaneously. Where hardship and worship walk hand in hand.

What are you facing today? No matter the hardship, know that God can bring joy with the sorrow; joy with the fear; and joy with the uncertainty.