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"He saw these things and believed." —John 20:8 (CEV)

Early on a Sunday morning, while it was still dark, a woman named Mary went to a grave. She expected to find a body, but she found a miracle instead. The heavy stone was gone. Soon, two of Jesus’ friends, Peter and John, came running. When they looked inside, they didn't see a crime scene. They saw folded clothes. In that quiet, dusty room, the "math" of their life with Jesus finally started to add up.

For three years, Jesus had made big promises. He said He was the "Author of Life." He said He would rise again in three days. When John saw that empty tomb, he realized every single word Jesus said was a fact. The Resurrection wasn't just a nice idea; it was proof that Jesus is exactly who He says He is.

I know what it feels like to walk through life not knowing where the path is going. I joined the Army as a medic just to learn a skill. I worked as an ER nurse for years to help people in pain. I went to Kenya to share the Good News. For a long time, it felt like I was just walking through random doors. But when God gave me the vision for ConnectDinners, everything clicked. The medic training, the ER years, and the mission heart all made sense. God was preparing me for this table all along.

The Empty Tomb is the "Fact" that changes every other fact in your life. It means that your past mistakes, your current struggles, or your "locked doors" are not the end of your story. If Jesus can validate a 2,000-year-old promise by walking out of a grave, he can validate the purpose in your life, too. Tonight, as we celebrate baptisms, we are celebrating that new life. We are stepping out of the dark and into a path that has been prepared for us from the start.

Let's Connect

  • Tell one person today about a "door" God opened for you that you didn't expect.

  • Text Pastor Vic at 509-919-1897 if you want to talk about finding your path or what baptism means for you.

Reflection & Prayer Think about a part of your life that feels messy or confusing right now. What would change if you believed that God is currently preparing a "flip-side" surprise for that exact situation?

Lord, thank You that the tomb is empty and Your promises are true. I confess that I get lost in the dark hallways of life and forget that You are the one opening the doors. Thank You for preparing a path for me even when I couldn't see it. As I look at the fact of Your Resurrection, help me trust You with my future and give me the courage to walk into the new life You have for me. Please help me...