Luke 24:36–49
Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? (Luke 24:38)
ABBY, A GIRL in my fourth-grade Sunday school class, was born with multiple deformities. Doctors told her mother, not once but several times, she wouldn’t live. In her short life, Abby has had thirty-five major surgeries. Yet she smiles and says, “God has big plans for me.” When asked why she feels so strongly, Abby replies, “He has a reason for letting me live through all the risky operations.” As Abby’s teacher, I’m aware of her disabilities and sometimes I’m afraid for her. Rather than see her struggle on projects, I’ve offered to help her, but she assures me, “I can do it.”
After Jesus’ crucifixion, His friends gathered in the upper room. He startled them when He suddenly appeared in their midst. They thought they were seeing a ghost. “Peace be with you,” He said. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (vv. 36, 38). He came close to each of them, and they touched His hands and feet. They watched Him eat a broiled fish.
Because He rose from the grave, Abby will too—in her glorified body—with no deformities, no sickness, no pain, no suffering. That’s something we can all look forward to. In the meantime, God has big plans for each of us—to fulfill His purposes by loving others as He loves us, so all may come to know His love.
Thank God today for His big plans for you.
Sue Tornai lives with her husband, John, and dog, Maggie, in Carmichael, California. They enjoy camping and fishing at Lake Almanor in Northern California
