“But the angel said to the women, Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him.” ~Matthew 28:5

2018 has been hard to say the least, especially the past few weeks. My need for the hope of Christ is more evident now than before. Today, I am thankful for the sustainment God gives and for life. A few weeks ago I could have lost my life due to a complete bowel obstruction, but God was bigger than my diagnosis and I am now back home under the wonderful care of my parents, hospice, and my dogs.. The gift of the death and resurrection of Jesus seems more real and applicable to my life now more than ever before.

I am a bit of a worry wart and I have been pondering many scenarios lately, and living in the land of “What-ifs.” The Lord has been remiinding  me that I need to trust Him more than my own understanding. He died and rose for me to live an abundant life of peace and freedom — not fearing what is to come. That does not mean that troubles won’t come, it just means Christ will be with us and the through the trials that come our way. He will also be there to celebrate with you on days where your life is filled with joy. There is nothing God cannot handle.  As Matthew 28:5 states, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead.” Living with worry is disobeying the Word, and therefore goes against what  God has done for us. When we are doing these things we are not living and abiding in Calvary Love as Amy Carmichael so often says in her writings.

Today, God reminded me graciously of the beauty and truth of the Gospel and helped me to see past this medical fog I have been in. Even though my life is hard and some days I do not see outside my bedroom, unless I am in the hospital — God is still good and He is flooding my heart with peace and truly giving me what I need to live with life and Godliness. On this day of Easter I am reminded over and over of the Gospel and the beautiful gift God gave for our sins in His son Jesus.  I am also thankful in the little things as I press on day to day. Without the Gospel and the Eternal Salvation from Christ,  I would be nothing and instead of joy, my heart would be filled with bitterness.

Friends, I don’t know what circumstances you are facing today or the worries that are going through your mind but whatever they are give them to Jesus. If you know Him as your personal Savior be thankful for His faithfulness in your life because there is always something to be thankful for. Spend time praising Him today for the victory we have in Him and what He overcame.

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior– talk to Him, repent, and ask Him to  be the Lord in your life. Lay your sins, worries, and weariness at His feet and He will pick them up and give you peace that passes all understanding. I  hope  even if we never see each other on this earth,  that we will meet in Eternity. It doesn’t matter what your past is, or what you have done, God loves you and wants you to draw near to Him. Allow Him to carry your heavy load. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states,

“So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!”

And  Matthew 11:28 states,

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”

One of my favorite songs is “Because He lives” by Bill Gaither, and it has been playing in my head for days. So to close, I hope these words encourage you as they have me.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

 Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living,

just because He lives.