Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him, "Rabboni!" which is to say, "Teacher!" John 20:15-16 WEB.Mary Magdalene came to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning to grieve but found the stone had been rolled away, and His body was gone. Then as she turned around, a man was standing there whom she didn't recognize. Mary thought that He was the gardener. Yet, when He called her by her name, she knew that it was Jesus. He calls His sheep by name, and they know His voice (John 10:3).
Mary wasn't far off, for God has done His share of gardening. He planted the original garden of Eden. Jesus often met with His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1). The empty tomb they were standing by was in a garden. The parables of Jesus tell of a caretaker that prunes and fertilizes (John 15:2, Luke 13:6). The Lord knows how to make things grow.
Yet, sometimes the Lord can be working in our lives, and we don't recognize Him. Then later, we realize that it was Him. Jesus said that His sheep would recognize His voice (John 10:3). He is always there to care for us with fertilizing to make us grow or pruning us back to make us bear more fruit (John 15:2).
We often see it from the plant's perspective, and being pruned isn't fun. We can see no logical reason why the gardener would be cutting off our branches. That person standing in front of you, building you up, or tearing you down, may be sent by the Lord to help you along. Trust the gardener, for He has your best interest at heart. You are going to be better off in the long run.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for taking care of me, and I put my trust in You. Your way is the best, and You understand the seasons of growing and pruning. I am in Your hands. Please have Your way in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: The FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!:
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Yes, amen Lord.
Yes. Thank You Jesus Amen.
Amen Father
Amen
Amen
Amen!!
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Amen!
Amen!
Amen!! Amen!! Amen!!
Amen
Amen
Thank you Jesus for your blessings. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Dear GOD, at the time I was confused and discouraged. Things only seem to get worse. Looking back...now I know it was preparing me for today. Thank you! Amen.
Thank You Father for taking care of me! May Your will be done in my life, Amen.
Amen
Help us dear God Amen
AMEN!!! (h5) I can just imagine the soft and tender way when Jesus, our Lord and Savior called "Mary" by her name, thinking of that old hymn "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me . . ."!!! How I long to hear His voice calling me, I'm so ready for Him!!! (h5) (L)
Amen! Please have Your way in my life, Lord.
Amen!
Amen!! God always knows what we need and He is always there for us to guide us along the correct path. God bless everyon at Refreshing Hope Ministries!!