I’ve known the dark, tasted its pain, hit rock bottom, and landed almost among impossibilities!
I was left with nothing. Every rope I held onto gave away. Every land I stood upon gave in. The sun stopped rising, the moon stood still, and the stars faded out. Dreams remained just dreams. Every reality turned into a fantasy, and darkness seemed to have taken over. Everything I lived for, loved, trusted, and hoped in let me down.

The only thing that remained was the old rugged cross. I looked at it, stared at it, and asked myself—How did my life come to this dead end?
Everything ended here!

Israel’s story was nothing short of this. The promises and prophecies of old, passed down for centuries, came alive when the long-awaited Messiah was sent to us. Hopes arose, and anticipation filled the air. Everything pointed to Jesus as the Savior of the world. Israel was preparing for the day of redemption. The streets were lit with lanterns of hope. Shouts and praises echoed through Jerusalem. Women sang songs of freedom while children played with joy. Jerusalem had declared Jesus as King. But just when it was about the time for the lights to shine, everything took a turn.

The Promised Messiah walked into custody instead of onto the throne. All hopes shattered as Jesus was condemned to death. The hope of Israel was crushed. A new chapter in Israel’s history faded away too soon. Here was Jesus, crucified on the cross. Every passing minute was unbearable. All the so-called prophecies, promises, and hopes foretold for generations suddenly seemed like a myth—just a grand, spectacular story that went horribly wrong. The scorecards were raised, the verdict declared. The hope of the world lay in a tomb. People went back to their daily routines, carrying their hopelessness and misery, accepting life as it came. They left—lost, shattered, and defeated.

I stood there, resonating with these events, seeing them reflected in my own life. Everything that was declared to shine and manifest had given in and faded. I saw the tomb sealed, the chapter closed. I stood there and heard the sound of defeat. I could relate. All my dreams, goals, promises, and hopes were laid in that tomb. His story and mine seemed the same.

But as I was still watching—out of the dark, the dead, the sealed—came life! The Son of God arose, His light driving away the darkness of all ages! No chains, no power of darkness could hold Him down. He broke free from the clutches of death and rose victoriously in power, might, and strength! The sight was glorious to behold!

I held myself there; I didn’t want to move. I paused. I saw myself in that dark tomb. I placed myself inside it and replayed the moment over and over again. I longed to experience the same power of resurrection. I was dying—that’s all I knew. I replayed it hundreds of times and told myself, This is how I will rise! I will rise from the ashes. I will walk out victoriously. I will shine again. Once again, there will be light. The stars will return. There will be laughter, rain, rainbows, and joy echoing through the valley of dry bones. Let them hear too, and rise along!

Once again, there will be a season of refreshing. I know it will come, and I will wait for it. My hope will not be cut off. I will join the singing with the restored. My heart will rejoice and proclaim His goodness.

As I was prophesying in my mind, I saw myself rising. The chains fell off. The darkness vanished. The tomb opened by itself. A voice called out—Arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! A power from on high took over me. Light shone brightly from within me, reaching the ends of the earth. My hope was restored, just as Israel’s. Jesus triumphed victoriously and is alive forever. I felt the same resurrection power within me. I saw Him living in me. He came into my story and made HIS story mine.

Every time I feel defeated, hopeless, or discouraged, I come back to the old rugged cross and remind myself of this story. I replay it over and over again until I emerge strong, bold, and powerful. The cross has always been the sign of victory. It tells the story that changed the course of history—for Israel and for the entire world—illuminating hope, joy, peace, restoration, and life in Jesus for all who believe in Him!

The place where everything seemed to come to an end became the place where everything began!

“At the cross, new chapters are written.”

Joseph Suhas B