Living in the in-between can be a challenging experience, as we find ourselves neither in one place nor the other. This creates uncertainty and confusion, making it difficult to know how to move forward. As followers of Jesus, it is crucial that we cling to our faith and hope in Him during these times. I can’t help but think of this every Easter, when I think of Jesus’ first followers. The Saturday in-between Friday and Sunday must have been full of so much. What were they feeling?
They had “pushed all the chips in” so to speak to follow Jesus. They didn’t have an alternative. Their hope and faith had been put in him, he had told them he would defeat death and rise from the dead, but did they believe it? I think often times in life we feel the same whether it’s with following Jesus, following his call, or with almost every big decision in our lives.
How do we move forward in the in-between? Faith. Hope. Ultimately Jesus himself.
Our faith is what gives us a foundation for our beliefs and actions. In Hebrews 11:1, we read that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Our faith in Jesus is what gives us confidence in the future, even when we don’t have all the answers or know what the future holds.
Our hope in Jesus is what keeps us going, even when we are living in the in-between. In 1 Peter 1:3, we are reminded that our hope is living, and it comes from Jesus’ resurrection. This means that our hope is not just a wish or a dream, but something solid and real that we can count on. It is a hope that transcends our current circumstances and reminds us that there is more to life than what we can see.
Living in-between can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation. As we hold on to our faith and hope in Jesus, we learn to trust Him more deeply and to lean on Him more completely. In James 1:2-4, we read that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and that perseverance can lead to maturity and completeness in our faith.
Take heart, and remember that even when we are living in-between, Sunday is coming. The resurrection, the new life and hope that we have in Jesus Christ are just around the corner. Let us trust in Him, hold on to our faith and hope, and allow this time of testing to produce perseverance and growth. He is with us every step of the way, guiding us, comforting us, and leading us through the in-between.