Stop and See: Meeting Jesus in the Midst of Pain and Disappointment

Stop and See: Walking with Jesus in the Midst of Pain

In a recent sermon titled “Stop and See,” delivered by aifc’s General Manager, Sally, we were invited into the story of Luke 24:13–35 — a passage marked by sorrow, confusion, and, ultimately, deep revelation. It’s the road to Emmaus, where two disciples, overwhelmed by loss, unknowingly walk beside the risen Christ.

This sacred encounter reminds us:
Jesus meets us not in our clarity, but in our confusion. Not in our strength, but in our sorrow. Not in our arrival, but in our walking.

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What Blinds Us from Seeing Jesus?

Luke 24:16 tells us the disciples were “kept from recognising him.” Today, many find themselves in that same space — walking, believing, and still not seeing.

Here are five spiritual blind spots that often obscure our view of Christ:

• Disappointment – When prayers go unanswered, hope feels harder to hold.

• Shame and Self-Focus – We feel unworthy and turn inward, rather than toward Him.

• Sin and Brokenness – Unconfessed struggles dull our spiritual sensitivity.

• Disillusionment – Hurt from Church or people can harden our hearts.

• Burnout – Exhaustion leads to numbness, even in faith.

“Jesus does not reject us in our blindness. He walks with us, listens to us, and gently brings us back to the Word.”

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Walking with a God Who Understands

Hebrews 4:14–16 reveals Jesus not as distant, but deeply empathetic.

He knows what it means to be misunderstood, to suffer, to plead for a different outcome.
He is Emmanuel — God with us in triumph and in trial.

Because of this, we can hold on to these truths:

• We are never alone in suffering.

• Our pain is never without purpose.

• We can confidently approach Him, knowing He understands.

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Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1–2 encourages us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

This doesn’t mean ignoring pain. It means reorienting within it.

Jesus began your story — and He’s committed to finishing it.
The disciples didn’t recognise Him by sight — but by Scripture (Luke 24:27).

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Invitation Changes Everything

In Luke 24:29–31, everything shifts when the disciples invite Jesus in.

“They urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us.’ …He took bread, gave thanks, broke it…and their eyes were opened.”

The invitation opened their eyes. And it still does.

• Invite Him into your grief.

• Invite Him into your doubt.

• Invite Him into your ordinary moments.

Often, revelation doesn’t come in crowds—but at tables. In quiet places of shared bread and presence.

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Suffering as a Pathway to Hope

Spiritual formation happens not in perfection, but in perseverance.

Dallas Willard’s “Golden Triangle” outlines the key ingredients of transformation:

• The Holy Spirit

• Spiritual disciplines

• Trials and suffering

Curt Thompson echoes this:

“Lasting hope is formed not despite pain, but through it.”

Suffering, then, is not punishment—it’s a sacred space of encounter, shaping us more deeply into the image of Christ.

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When Eyes Are Opened, Lives Are Changed

Luke 24:32–33 says:

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road…?”

Their eyes were opened → their hearts burned → their feet moved.

That’s the pattern of transformation:
Revelation → Restoration → Response.

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Are You Ready to Walk With Others?

If this message resonates—if you’ve walked the road of sorrow and now feel called to companion others—this could be your moment.

Maybe your story is the place someone else will meet Jesus.

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Step Into Your Calling

At aifc, we believe in stopping to see—and then walking with purpose.
Our Christ-centred counselling programs equip you to support others with compassion, wisdom, and faith.

👉 Explore our courses here

Whether you’re exploring a new vocation or deepening your current ministry, we’re here to walk with you.

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Final Reflection

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock…” – Revelation 3:20

Where are your eyes still closed?
Where have you yet to invite Jesus in?
Are you walking, unaware He’s beside you?

Let today be your moment to stop, see, and step into the presence of the One who walks with you—always.

Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…”