Still Moving Stones

This entry is being posted on Easter Sunday, a special time of celebration and joy for billions of Christians all around the world. The long weekend began with a reminder of the darkness that surrounded the last days of Jesus Christ as he faced betrayal, trial, suffering, and death. But Friday’s persistent gloom was pierced by a resurrection light breaking forth on that first Easter morning. It is a message of hope that has comforted countless souls since the story was first witnessed and later recorded by the disciples of Jesus.

Many leaders I know, including myself, have been facing dark days these past couple of years. The uncertainty of our economic situation, the pain of job loss, the silent suffering that accompanies troubling times—these are constant burdens that many leaders are carrying. Who can you turn to when the shadows seem permanent and the emotions overwhelm you?

The biblical Easter story tells how a group of faithful women gathered on that Sunday morning determined to prepare the body of Jesus for proper burial. They are grief-stricken and emotionally spent but plan to complete this ritual regardless of the obstacles. None of them is expecting an empty tomb; in fact, they haven’t considered how they will remove the stone that is covering the entrance. Yet they are undeterred in their dedication to the task at hand. When the women arrive at the grave, they are surprised to find the stone has already been removed by an angel. They are free to see for themselves what God has done. Their joy is overwhelming as they celebrate this unexpected miracle.

It wouldn’t surprise me to find leaders who are just as committed as these women were – committed to your company, customers, and employees. In the face of adversity and pain you are doing what needs to be done; undeterred in your dedication to the task at hand. Like the women, you aren’t expecting any miracles and may have even overlooked the known obstacles that stand in your way. That’s why the message of Easter is so real today.

When we are trapped in the “darkness” of Friday, God is already preparing a Sunday surprise. As we persevere in our efforts, God will move the stones for us. Perhaps it will be that late payment we have been seeking or a contract that has been delayed for days. It might be a kind word from a business colleague or customer. Like the women on Easter morning, our stones are still being moved by a divine hand that knows what we need and when we need it. Now that’s worth celebrating!