Imagine the hearts of the women standing before the empty tomb, trembling with fear. Just three days had passed since their beloved Master died on the cross, and their journey to the tomb was filled with despair and sorrow. Yet the first words they heard from the angel were, "Fear not."

The angel began by dispelling their fear. Fear arises when we lack proper understanding of the reality before us. The angel revealed the true meaning of what they believed to be death. Jesus had died on the cross, but He did not remain in death—He had risen.

"He is not here: for he is risen" was the greatest news in history. It was a proclamation that death was not the end of everything, the fulfillment of God's promise, and a message announcing the beginning of new life. Even in the terrifying circumstances we face, in moments of despair that seem insurmountable, God works in ways that exceed our expectations.

We too often become captive to fear and forget God's former promises. Just as the angel told the women, "Remember what He said to you," we must also remember God's words to us in the past and His faithfulness. Even in life's darkest moments, God's Word remains true, and His promise to always be with us never changes. As we approach Easter, let us pray that we might experience in our own lives the victory of Jesus, who conquered death.