When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus. 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." John 20:14–16 WEB.

Mary and the disciples of Jesus thought He would become king like David and boot the Roman occupiers out of Israel. Instead, they watched as Jesus was arrested, beaten, and crucified, and His lifeless body was placed in a tomb. It was so final and shocking.

Early the next morning, Mary Magdalen stood at His tomb, grief-stricken and heartbroken. Jesus stood right in front of her, yet she didn't recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener.

When my Dad passed away, it was like life was suspended for a time. Things seemed detached, unreal, and just plain wrong. Everything seemed surreal, and I hoped to wake up soon. But as days turned into weeks, and months turned into years, life without him gradually became the new normal. It wasn't easy, and I still miss him, but our life goes on, and we must adapt to change.

When traumatizing things occur, like suddenly losing a loved one, we seem to step into the twilight zone for a bit. It's our way of avoiding the reality we can't face. We all have to face times like this in our life. If you live long enough, you will see all your friends pass on before you.

Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. If you want a sobering look at life, take a walk through a cemetery and look at the dates. Even though the cycle of life is nothing new, few are prepared for it to end. For believers, death is merely a transition to something better.

The Holy Spirit is there with us to bring comfort during these trying times. However, we may not recognize Him, just as Mary didn't recognize Jesus standing right in front of her. He is "The Comforter." God gives us space during these times of grief, and He doesn't hold our anger or outbursts against us, for He understands what we are going through. He lost a loved One as well and knows how it feels.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please send me the Comforter today, for I need a touch from You. Fill me up to where I will not feel so empty, and dry my tears. Please bring Your Son shine back into my life Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.