They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
- Luke 24:33–35
Two disciples were walking toward Emmaus after Jesus' crucifixion. They were grieving and confused. They had heard Jesus talk about a new way of life, and now He was dead. What must they have been feeling? They were lost in the darkness of that time and consumed by fear over the loss of their friend and counselor.
As they walked away from Jerusalem, believing the hope they had placed in Jesus was gone, Jesus joined them on the road! But they didn't recognize Him. Isn't that how God works in our lives at times? We may be walking through a painful season thinking we are walking alone, when Jesus is actually walking beside us. We don't always recognize His presence immediately. But later, we might get a “God-wink”. It could be a conversation, an unexpected gift, provision, Scripture, or a visit from a friend at just the right moment, and we instantly know God heard us and is engaged with us!
I have shared before that I was needing confirmation from God that I was on the right path with my health. I was getting conflicting messages from surgeons about being paralyzed and what surgery I needed to do to prevent paralysis. I felt so lost. So I prayed that God would send a bunny to my door if I were on the right path. Within the next few minutes, one appeared out of nowhere and sat on my porch rug staring into my sliding doors. I was so surprised I could hardly breathe. I live in an apartment, and while we see rabbits here from time to time, they are not common in our tiny yards. That is one of those moments I will remember forever.
Looking back, after suffering, we often realize that God was with us the whole time. But when we are in the thick of it, we can feel very alone. If you're walking a difficult road today, don't assume you're walking it alone. God is always with you. He loves to surprise us and give us little moments of joy when we know He is at work in our lives.
Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to recognize Your presence on the road I'm walking. When I feel alone, remind me that You are beside me, even when I cannot see You clearly. Amen.
With Love,
Sarah Sherstad
It's easy to forget who we are when life feels overwhelming. Fear, comparison, disappointment, and uncertainty can cloud the truth of God's promises.
Before moving on with your day, take a moment to reflect on what it means to belong to God and how His words can reshape the way you see yourself.
Journal & Reflect
The disciples on the road to Emmaus were grieving, confused, and trying to make sense of what had happened. They did not recognize Jesus immediately, yet He came near and walked with them.
Sometimes Jesus is present before we recognize Him. He meets us in our questions, disappointment, and uncertainty—not always by giving us the full explanation, but by staying with us along the way.
What season of life feels confusing or disappointing right now?
Where might Jesus be walking with me, even if I do not recognize His presence?
What questions or disappointments do I need to bring honestly to God?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Luke 24:33–35?
Luke 24:33–35 describes the disciples returning to Jerusalem after meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They shared how Jesus had walked with them, explained Scripture, and revealed Himself in the breaking of bread.
Why did the disciples not recognize Jesus at first?
The passage shows that the disciples did not immediately understand who was walking with them. Their grief and confusion shaped what they could see. This can remind us that Jesus may be near even when we do not immediately recognize His presence.
What does the road to Emmaus teach us about difficult seasons?
The story reminds us that Jesus meets us in confusion, disappointment, and grief. He may not answer every question immediately, but He remains present and patiently walks with us.
How can I recognize Jesus in my everyday life?
Look for His presence through Scripture, prayer, wise community, worship, compassion, and moments of peace or conviction. Recognition often grows as we slow down and pay attention to how God is working in ordinary moments.
What does “their hearts were burning” mean?
The disciples described their hearts as burning while Jesus explained the Scriptures to them. This communicates a deep spiritual awakening and renewed understanding as they encountered truth and recognized God’s work.
What should I do when I feel disappointed with God?
Bring your disappointment honestly to Him. The disciples did not hide their confusion, and Jesus met them in it. Continue seeking Scripture, prayer, and wise support while allowing God to meet you at your current point of understanding.
How can journaling help me notice God’s presence?
Journaling helps you slow down and reflect on your journey. Record your questions, prayers, moments of comfort, and signs of grace. Looking back may help you recognize ways Jesus has been present even when you did not see Him at the time.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for walking with me through every season—even the ones marked by confusion, grief, or disappointment. When I cannot recognize Your presence, help me trust that You are still near.
Open my eyes to the ways You are speaking through Scripture, community, prayer, and ordinary moments. Help me bring my honest questions to You and remain open to the hope You are revealing along the way.
Warm my heart with Your truth and give me faith for the next step. May I remember that I never have to walk this road alone.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
Some seasons can leave us feeling confused about where God is or what He is doing. If that is where you are today, I hope this devotional reminds you that Jesus does not wait for you to understand everything before He comes near.
He is willing to walk with you through the questions, the disappointment, and the ordinary moments of your day. Keep taking the next step, and stay open to the ways He may be revealing Himself along the road.
With Love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
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Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Sky Personalized Scripture Journal
If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:
Daily Devotional • Ephesians 4:26 • Handling Anger Without Letting It Lead
Daily Devotional • Hebrews 12:11 • Growth Through Discipline
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