Key Text: John 20:11 KJV - But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre.

Mary Magdalene was the first to discover the empty tomb and she promptly informed Peter and John that the Lord had been removed from the tomb. When these two disciples ran to the tomb and confirmed that the Lord was not there, they returned to their own home. But Mary stayed back at the tomb weeping, until she eventually saw two angels in the tomb and Jesus standing behind her. Mary's persistence paid off in the end.

All three persons saw the empty tomb, but while Mary persevered in her search for the Lord, Peter and John gave up too soon. God's word is true: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" - Jeremiah 29:13. They all did the will of God by seeking him but only Mary received the promise because she sought the Lord wholeheartedly and with patience - Hebrews 10:36.

We are all called to a life of perseverance and patience, even in the face of difficulty, with little or no indication of success. Dare to persevere in your prayers and the answer will eventually come. Dare to wait long enough upon the Lord and your strength shall be renewed. Let us therefore ask the Lord for more grace to enable us pray with importunity and wait for Him patiently.
 
Prayer: O Lord, help me to hold on to your promises until they are performed by your power, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong - 1 Corinthians 16:13.