We can be so thickheaded. I know many of our wives would agree, but I’m actually speaking of all humanity. We can be so clueless to what is going on around us when we should be more aware. We shouldn’t be surprised by either the depravity of human nature or the vastness of God’s grace. We shouldn’t be shocked that what the Word says will happen actually happens. But, we are surprised. We are ignorant of reality.

As I read in Matthew about the days up to Jesus’ crucifixion, I’m struck by how plainly He was telling His disciples what would happen. And, yet, they acted surprised.

“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’ ” Matthew 26:1-2

“And while they were eating, he said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.’” Matthew 26:21

“Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’

Jesus answered, ‘Yes, it is you.’ ” Matthew 26:25

” ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ ” Matthew 26:34

Jesus told them exactly what would happen. He told them He would be taken, crucified, and would rise again. He even told Peter how he would react.

I think they didn’t really believe it. They believed in Him, but they didn’t really think He would be arrested and killed. How could He be the Christ if man could kill Him? I think they were all waiting for Him to fight back and win. They were waiting for the important people to recognize His authority. They were waiting for the happy ending. It just didn’t happen the way they thought.

They were distraught, scattered, and demoralized. When Jesus came back to them, they didn’t even believe it, at first. This was not how they had envisioned it.

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” Matthew 28:16-17

The real ending was more amazing than they could imagine. 

You will have moments when it feels like He left you. You’ll have times when He seems to have lost the battle and your faith seems misplaced. You’ll wonder when the victory is coming. It will come. It may be later than you thought. It may be after tougher times than you planned.

But, don’t doubt Him. The victory will be more amazing than you can imagine.