“So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”
—Mark 15:46 NIV

Jesus was dead.

Almost two thousand years later we know how the story continues, but for Jesus’ followers at the time, Holy Saturday was perhaps the most difficult day of all.

Put yourself in the disciples’ shoes for a moment. They were Jesus’ closest friends. They had left everything to follow him and were convinced that he was the Messiah, the anointed one who was going to liberate the nation of Israel from foreign oppression.

But instead of reigning on a throne, he was lying dead in a tomb.

They were disappointed, confused and maybe even angry at God. Quite possibly their very faith in God was wavering.

Holy Saturday is the time of waiting, the “meanwhile” when nothing makes sense and God seems absent.

Holy Saturday is that moment when our faith is tested and we discover where we have placed our hope: in the changing circumstances of life or in the Word of God.

If you are in a time of waiting like that first Holy Saturday, take heart: God always fulfills his Word. It doesn’t usually happen when or how we expect, but we can be sure that his Word “will accomplish what (he) desires and achieve the purpose for which (he) sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV).

Remember this: after Saturday comes Resurrection Sunday.

Here is a simple prayer to carry with you today:

Inhale: Even in the waiting,
Exhale: I trust you, God.