Luke 24:13-17  Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 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. He asked them, 'What are you discussing together as you walk along?' They stood still, their faces downcast.

DISCOURAGEMENT is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future.

DISCOURAGEMENT is often the gap between EXPECTATION and REALITY.

1. Remember God’s PROMISES.

Luke 24:18-21  One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, 'Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?' 'What things?' He asked. 'About Jesus of Nazareth,' they replied. 'He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him; but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.'

Luke 24:25  He said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!'

FAITH is trusting what God has SAID even when it does not line up with what you currently SEE.

Hebrews 13:5  'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'

Psalm 34:18  'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.'

Romans 8:28  'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.'

John 16:33  'I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'

2. Recognize Jesus' PRESENCE.

Do not be so consumed with what is happening TO YOU that you miss who is WITH YOU.

Luke 24:28-29  As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if He were going farther. But they urged Him strongly, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.' So He went in to stay with them.

Revelation 3:20  'Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.'

3. Respond to God's POWER.

Luke 24:31-34  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?' They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, 'It is true! The Lord has risen.'

The resurrection is not just an EVENT to celebrate; it is a MIRACLE to experience.

Real CHANGE begins when you RESPOND.