Little things ... when you are struggling to hold on.

It must have been one of the worst days of their lives. Sometimes we forget that because we overly spiritualize the stories of the bible. But they were real people. And their hearts were so heavy on that day.

The story goes like this (you can read it all in Luke 24).

13 That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, "What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?"

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days."

It must have felt like the end of the world. We all have days like that. So what do you do when life is spinning out of control?

The key is keep doing the little things. In the story there are several things that they did, that made the difference.

• The journeyed together.
• When you are struggling to hold on, be careful that you do not isolate yourself. Continue to walk faithfully within the fellowship of the community of faith.
• They were open to sharing their burden.
• When you are struggling to hold on, sometimes you'll be tempted to "shut down". It is important that you, instead, remain open for the right opportunities to share your burden. Someone said, "A burden shared is half a burden." Good truth in those words.
• The remained open to the Teaching of Jesus.
• Granted they didn't know it was him. But he was with them. And he was teaching them. When you are struggling to hold on, be resolved to stay in God's word. Allow it to wash over you. Some of the things you'll learn in the Word will come directly from the lips of Jesus-whether you recognize him there with you or not.
• They hurried toward God.
• As soon as it "clicked", they rushed back to the community of faith-the very place where they had experienced God. When you are at the end of your rope and begin to think that the only option is to give up or give in; are you in a hurry back to the place where you experienced God's presence?

Those are little things ... that make a huge difference.