As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.   Luke 24:15-16  (NIV)

During this pandemic it has become necessary for all of us to wear masks.  Wearing masks is to help protect each other and minimize the spread of the virus. It is very difficult at times to recognize people whom you know and have known for quite some time because of these masks. Our wearing masks is not intended to conceal our identity. Yet there are occasions when being out among others, we fail to recognize just who has been in our presence. Just as the two men walking along the road to Emmaus encountered Jesus but did not recognize who he was.  Luke says but they were kept from recognizing him.  During this pandemic, is it possible you are being kept from recognizing who Jesus is among all the chaos?  Could it be our faces have been masked by so much hurt, we cannot recognize Jesus in our presence?  Perhaps the death of a love one, the loss of employment, or the threat of losing your home has caused you to lose sight of the presence of God.  But regardless of the struggles we face in this life, remember God is an omnipresent God.  He is always with us. Amidst the troubles of this world; hatred, racism, senseless murders, social injustices, broken relationships, divorce and raging storms, God is still present.  I challenge you today to look to God and for God in every situation you encounter.  God is faithful and has promised “. . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matt. 28:20 NIV  Be encouraged for God is in your presence.