Living out the Resurrection

This past Sunday, Christians all around celebrated Easter, also known as "Resurrection Sunday". We set aside a day to celebrate the miraculous work of Jesus on the cross.

I love Easter. I love the focus on the victory over death. But what about all the other days? How do we celebrate resurrection in our every day lives?

Let me start by saying that the resurrection was not only for Jesus' life. It is for ours as well. It saddens me to see so many Christians walking around with no hope, overcome by the things of this world. We don't have to live like that, friends. Here's what the Bible says, "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives". (Romans 6:4) I really like how another translation puts this, "...so that we too might [habitually] live and behave in newness of life".(Amplified bible)

It is time that we really do live and behave in the newness of our life with Christ. It's time to put away worry because He has it all under control. It's time to stop trying to play the role of God and trust the One who is the Great I AM. It's time to stop living as if we have no hope and instead take Him at his word and grab hold of the abundant life He desires for us.

I know there are hurts out there. People are sick. People very dear to me are struggling with major health concerns. It's hard to watch that happen and not be overcome with fear. People all around us are suffering with hunger, oppression, disappointment, depression, selfishness, pride, loneliness, bitterness, and on and on. But friends, hear this: Jesus has overcome that! His work on the cross was enough to overcome every single one of our fears. Every. Single. One.

His work on the cross was for you, my friend.

It's cliche' of Christians to say things like "Just give it to God", I know. But really, give it to him. Whatever it is that you're holding on to, whatever has you bound up in fear and worry, whatever you're holding more firmly than the hand of Jesus... I beg you to give it to him today. I promise that His hands are big enough to hold whatever you will give.

I also promise you that He redeems every single broken thing that we lay before him. My life is living proof of that. I'll end with this example:

Most of you know my story, that I have a history of rape. It was 24 years ago this saturday, April 26th, that I was raped. Some dates you just don't get out of your head. For years, I approached that day with trepidation. Even though I have forgiven and feel "ok", I couldn't help but be reminded of the hurt. Well, this year, on April 26th, I'll have my first book signing for "Colling with Grace" , a book that tells the story of my healing. God is redeeming even that day for His glory. And friends, He LONGS to do the same for you.

The resurrection wasn't just for that day in that time. The Resurrection is for you. Right here. Right now.

What's holding you back from living in the Resurrection power?