"Suddenly Jesus met them. 'Greetings,' he said." — Matthew 28:9 (NIV).
Reflection
The moment in Matthew 28:9 is stunning in its intimacy. The women are running — terrified, overwhelmed, hearts pounding — and suddenly Jesus is just there. Not at the end of a long road of spiritual progress. Not after they've calmed down and composed themselves. Right in the middle of their fear, He meets them with a greeting so ordinary and warm it almost catches you off guard: "Greetings."
He didn't wait for them to arrive somewhere safe before He appeared. He stepped into their chaos. He met them on the road, in the running, in the fear. And when they saw Him, they fell at His feet and worshipped.
This is the nature of prayer. We don't need to have things sorted out before we approach God. We don't need to be calm, composed, or spiritually impressive. Jesus meets us right where we are — in the middle of the panic, on the road between the tomb and the uncertain future. He steps in.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that when you begin to pray — even when your hands are shaking and your thoughts are scattered — Jesus is already meeting you there? He is not at the end of your prayer, waiting for you to finish. He is present at the very first moment you turn toward Him.
The women clasped His feet. They held on. That is all prayer sometimes is — just holding on to the One who has already met you.
Reflection Question
Do you tend to wait until you feel "ready" to pray, or do you come to God in the middle of your fear and chaos?
Action Step: The next time fear or anxiety rises today, stop immediately and pray — don't wait for the feeling to pass first.
Prayer for He Greets You in the Middle of Your Fear
Jesus, meet me right here — in the middle of my running, my fear, my questions. I don't have it together. But I know You are already here. Let me fall at Your feet today and just hold on. Amen.
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