“Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him” (Luke 24:30, 31 a).

You loved deeply and cultivated true friendships. You devoted yourself to raising godly, hardworking children. You served your family and community with unwavering dedication. You embraced healthy habits, making physical activity a vital part of your daily life. Genuine friendships enriched your journey. From every human perspective, your life was blessed. Yet, whether in a week, a month, three years, or fifteen, the fairy tale began to fade. Stability faltered, disappointment crept in. Separation arrived, rebellion touched the hearts of the good children you raised, friends drifted away, and illness took hold of your body. It felt neither right, logical, nor fair.

You felt worthless, believing that if God were just a little closer, if you had a bit more wisdom, if your children were kept just ten feet away from the wrong crowd, or if your body were protected from any cancerous cells, your path would have been different. Yet now, you find yourself on the Emmaus Road, traveling the same distance from Jerusalem to home. Like the two disciples who were burdened with sorrow over Christ’s Crucifixion, the empty tomb, and a King’s life cut short before He could bring true change to end Roman oppression.

The greatest revelation, however, was about to unfold before their eyes when they welcomed a stranger who spoke to them about the events and questions weighing on their hearts. Later, they opened their door and invited Him to dine with them. Their hearts, which had been burning along the way as Scripture was explained and God’s sovereign plan revealed, led them to invite Him for extended fellowship. Their recognition of the risen Christ at the breaking of bread came after the understanding, conviction, and wisdom He had imparted through Scripture.

We will always encounter Christ in the Scriptures, which are revealed to us so that “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). You do not have to walk your Emmaus Road burdened by anguish, fear, or doubt about His presence. He longs to open the Scriptures before your eyes, allowing you to witness His holiness as revealed on Mount Sinai and to understand His design for your life (Exodus 19:23).

He longs to reveal His provision and protective power to you, just as He did for Elisha’s servant when his eyes were opened to see the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire surrounding them (2 Kings 6:17). He longs to reveal His healing power and impart wisdom as you read the Gospels and study the epistles. Open the Bible and allow Him to unveil His strength and fill you with the courage to speak boldly, just as Peter and John did when preaching and performing miracles in a city amazed by their faith (Acts 4:13).

During my cancer treatment journey, as I studied God’s character, I discovered His Old Testament name, Jehovah Shammah. Although this name technically refers to a city rather than a title for God, it is so closely linked to His presence and power that it is often recognized as a name for God. “From then on, the city’s name will be Yahweh Shammah” (Ezekiel 48:35). This is the same God I focused on when reading Isaiah 43:2.

From the very beginning to the very end of this trial, God was ‘here.’ He revealed the cancer diagnosis, interpreted the biopsies with precision, and guided the discovery of the best treatment plan. He was ‘here,’ standing by my bedside on surgery day and remaining steadfast through the long weeks filled with tears and pain. He was ‘here,’ leading me in the right direction and filling my heart with hope, warmed by His presence. He was ‘here’ at every chemotherapy and radiation session, shielding my body from harsh side effects. He was ‘here,’ not distant or unreachable, not far away in unknown waters or strange fire, not extinguishing flames He did not ignite.

I am deeply convinced that He knew both the depths of the waters and the intensity of the flames, and His mighty hand has held their power over me. In His lovingkindness, He allowed my suffering, yet He also timed my healing perfectly. Yehowah Shammah met me on my Emmaus Road. He wiped away my tears, mended my frail body, strengthened my fearful heart, and filled it with His unmistakable presence. He was to me everything He promises to be to His children.

I want to share with you from the deepest place in my heart: He cares for you more than you can imagine and longs to carry your burdens, your disappointments, and your unfinished life story. Bring to Him your hopes and dreams for yourself, your family, your children—whether young or grown—and your vision for your town and your country. Don’t close your heart when He gently nudges you. Open the Scriptures and invite Him in. Give Him the place of honor at your table. You will recognize Him at the breaking of the bread, and you will be transformed as you gaze into His Word, sharper than any double-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). I am confident you will not linger on your Emmaus road but will return to Jerusalem—the community of believers—and encourage them with all you have learned. Not with empty zeal, but with the true teachings of the Savior who has warmed your heart with God’s truth.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me”.  (John 15:4)