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The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. Luke 23:55-56 NIV

Comment

Although Jesus’ body had already been anointed by Joseph and Nicodemus, still the women wanted to add their homage to him. When they arrived at the tomb on Sunday, they found it empty. The perfumes and spices which they had so lovingly prepared on Friday were no longer needed. I’m sure they weren’t thrown away but I can’t help wondering what happened to them. Is this ever your experience? Something lovingly prepared, with much thought and prayer, ends up not being used or even rejected. Yet in God’s economy, nothing is wasted. If we’ve prayed about this project or interceded for that person and acted as best we know how, we’ve done a good thing. Talk about it – do you feel preparation can be God-led even if there is no obvious result?

Prayer (as a couple)

Heavenly Father, we put into your hands something for which it seems our work was wasted. Help us to trust that you are working, even if we don’t see a result.

Prayer (for others)

Lord Jesus, we especially pray for _______. Help them to count on your love and power even when things don’t seem to be turning out well.

Quote

“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”  Maya Angelou