From Tomb to Triumph

From Tomb to Triumph captures Mary’s tearful morning at the grave—what looked like loss became proof that Jesus turns defeat into victory.

“Mary stood weeping outside the tomb … she saw two angels in white, sitting … they said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where.’”—John 20:11–13

Everything seemed dark and hopeless, but Mary remembered Jesus’ miracles, His amazing teachings, His love and compassion, the hope He brought, and even His triumphal entry into Jerusalem a few days prior. But then, Jesus had been brutally beaten and crucified.

Visiting the tomb where He’d been buried, Mary could only weep. Then she realized that His body was gone—taken away, she thought. Suddenly, she saw someone standing nearby, and after He spoke, she knew it was Jesus! He had risen from the dead! What she thought was a terrible defeat turned out to be an incredible triumph!

Her eyes were being opened to a new dimension of living in which she could always experience victory, no matter what the circumstances might suggest.

If, like Mary, you focus on appearances, you are likely to feel defeated, discouraged, overwhelmed, hopeless, and afraid, when God wants you to focus on Him, not on your circumstances!

By faith, enter the realm of God’s Spirit and His resurrection power. Don’t look with the eyes of your flesh or think like the world. Rather, fill your heart and mind with His Word.

As you obey God and act in faith, you can expect Him to meet you where you are. He has promised never to leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has no limits. Nothing is impossible. He can turn defeat into victory.

Reflection Question: Where is God inviting you to see victory in loss?