“Faith is hope in what we do not see…†Hebrews 11:1
It was a dark day for the disciples when they saw Jesus crucified. They were confused, lost and scared about what might happen to them. Their Teacher was dead. “How can this be? How can this have happened?†they asked each other in disbelief. Yet they had all been taught the Scriptures which prophesied the coming of the Messiah and all the details of his death.
They spent three years with Jesus. He directed their paths and saved them from disaster. They saw that all their needs were met and they heard him speak to the people, listened to private teachings just for them and saw the miracles he performed.  Their faith was strong and their love of him sincere. He warned them more than once about the events of the future concerning him.
Yet when Jesus was crucified, they were lost. They were devastated and confused. They had lost their faith in Jesus as Lord. But when Jesus returned he reassured them that he would send his Spirit to comfort them and teach them.
There may be times in our lives when our faith grows weak and we ask, “Where is God when we need him?†But although we no longer know Jesus physically as the disciples did, we have the Holy Spirit living within us just as Jesus promised, to guide us and keep our faith strong. We have the words of Jesus in the Bible and the promises he has given us.
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you.†If only the disciples and trusted the scriptures, they might have been able to keep their faith.