“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16,17

Easter Celebration

As we gather with our families and friends around our Easter dinner tables, we celebrate the fact that Jesus came willingly to die for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead, so that we might have eternal life and be together forever. What better gift could anyone receive than Jesus, wonderful Savior, Redeemer, and Lord? The bonus is that Jesus paid the unspeakable price for us, the entrance fee to eternal life, love, and heaven forever! It was the price we owed but could never pay.

I may feel crushed under a load of debt or loss, but I am learning to accept with joy all of His decisions concerning me. Some days, I confess, I am not doing a very good job of “accepting with joy.” However, although I may not like my circumstances, with my proper response He will cause them to work together for HIS good purpose for now and for eternity. To quote Job 42:2, “I know that YOU can do everything and that no purpose of YOURS can be withheld from YOU.” God does not waste anything. He will use all of our circumstances, good or bad, for His purpose.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, reminds us to “Be thankful in ALL things, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” This is very difficult under some circumstances. Let us hold up in prayer those who are suffering a loss this season and those who have not met our Savior, Jesus. May this season of hope and redemption bring comfort to those who are hurting and revelation to those who are still seeking.

“Lord, open our eyes to see, through Your eyes, those around us who wear a smile that is covering up a broken heart or a troubled spirit. Help us to obey Your prompting to reach out to them, encourage them, and offer our help in their time of need. May they feel the comfort of Your great Love and presence with them as You draw the hurting close to You. As we reach out to those around us, love them through us in a way we cannot do on our own. Do Your redemptive work in hearts.  Help us this Easter season to be a part of what You are doing. After all, Lord, You gave Your ALL; can we give any less?”