Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32)
HAVE YOU EVER FELT so discouraged that you felt trapped? In John Bunyan’s book The Pilgrim’s Progress, we read about Christian and his companion Hope, who are mercilessly beaten by Giant Despair in Doubting Castle. An entire night spent in prayer is their turning point. That’s when Christian remembers that he possesses the key called “Promise.” Using it, they successfully escape the evil giant.
In today’s passage, we read of two Christ-followers who are also trapped in Doubting Castle. They knew Scripture, but they doubted those who found the empty tomb. They were downcast as they traveled the road to Emmaus. Then Jesus joined them, speaking the truth of Scripture to them. That was the turning point that freed them from “Doubting Castle.” Their debilitating discouragement was replaced with eagerness to share the good news. “It is true!” they exclaimed. “The Lord has risen” (Luke 24:34). They were motivated to tell others of their experience with Him.
We may be overwhelmed by incapacitating discouragement, feeling there is no escape. We know the Word, but we’re prisoners in Doubting Castle. In this dark situation, we can experience a turning point, just as Christian and Hope and the two travelers did. Spending time with Jesus and believing His words of truth, we discover the key. Using it, we find freedom and renewed energy to share with others what He did for us.
Spend time with Jesus today.
Kathern Nemec enjoys digging into God’s Word and loves to encourage others with the truth she finds in it.
