My Morning with God- St John 20 KJV
The Garden of Life
From Grief to Glory
Scripture: John 20
“Jesus said unto her, Mary.” She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.” — John 20:16 (KJV)
On Sunday at Refiners Fire Ministries, Pastor Eno shared a message that paints one of the most beautiful pictures in Scripture—the Garden of Life. when I can, I attend both services. As I mentioned early this weekim my devotional I was going to do a devotional on the message that I heard at the second church service. They both were life-changing.
The Bible begins in a garden and reveals one of its greatest victories in another.
In the Garden of Eden, sin entered through disobedience, bringing separation, sorrow, and death (Genesis 3). Humanity lost intimate fellowship with God, and creation was forever changed.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus surrendered His own will to the Father. Where Adam chose his own way, Christ chose obedience. One man’s failure brought death; another Man’s obedience brought life.
Then we arrive at the garden surrounding the empty tomb in John 20. Here, death has been defeated. Hope has been restored. The Gardener of our souls has turned a place of mourning into a place of miracles.
What is especially significant is that a woman was the first to arrive at the tomb and the first to witness the risen Christ.
Mary Magdalene came expecting to care for a dead Savior, but instead encountered a living Lord. Her tears blinded her from recognizing Him until He called her by name.
How many times has Jesus been standing closer than we realized while we were overwhelmed by grief?
He still calls His children by name.
The resurrection reminds us that God specializes in transforming what appears hopeless into something glorious. Empty tombs become testimonies. Broken hearts become worshippers. Grieving people become Gospel messengers.
Pastor Eno also reminded us that our destiny is shaped long before we ever arrive there.
Six things determine the direction of our day—and ultimately our lives:
Our Thoughts – What fills your mind will eventually direct your life. (Jeremiah 17:9; Philippians 4:8)
Our Words – Life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)
Our Actions – What we repeatedly choose becomes our pattern.
Our Habits – Consistent actions shape who we become.
Our Character – Character is who we are when no one is watching.
Our Destiny – Today’s choices become tomorrow’s reality.
Notice the progression. Destiny is rarely determined by one dramatic moment. It is formed through daily decisions.
Mary’s story illustrates this beautifully. Her love for Jesus shaped her actions. Her actions brought her to the tomb early. Her faithfulness positioned her for a resurrection encounter. Her encounter changed her destiny, and she became the first witness commissioned to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!”
Perhaps today you find yourself standing in a garden of disappointment, unanswered prayers, or unexpected loss.
Remember this:
The same Jesus who walked through the garden that resurrection morning is still walking through the gardens of our lives today.
He knows your tears.
He knows your questions.
And He still calls His people by name.
What feels like the end may simply be the place where resurrection begins.
Prayer
Father, thank You for turning places of sorrow into places of hope. Help me guard my thoughts, speak words of life, choose righteous actions, build godly habits, and develop Christlike character so I may fulfill the destiny You have prepared for me. Like Mary, help me recognize Your voice when You call my name, even in seasons of grief. Thank You that because Jesus lives, I have hope beyond every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
Which “garden” are you standing in today—Eden’s failure, Gethsemane’s surrender, or the empty tomb’s victory? Remember, because Christ is risen, your story does not end in the grave. It begins with new life.
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