Fairly recently, I had a run-in with sickness. I didn’t get tested to see exactly what I had, but I had flu-like symptoms, just maybe a tad milder; however, at times, I felt pretty rough. I used over-the-counter medicine that I had on hand, and home remedies. Steve brought me food while he was working (or, he had food brought). I can’t say that I was happy about the sickness, but I knew that I had done my part to stay well, and that it came as no surprise to God. So, I simply embraced the rest; had a mystery-movie marathon; I did a few things here and there, but not before some things around the house got pretty out of hand! It took a good two weeks to start feeling more back to normal…although some symptoms have tended to linger longer.
By the end of the two weeks, it was the weekend. As the new week began to approach, I felt a sense of hope in the coming week, and starting to get back to some normalcy once again. I got to thinking a little bit about hope. The first definition from the Dictionary.com app says, “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.” I love that. We always have a sense of what hope means, but that definition describes it perfectly. I wanted to get back to some normalcy, and I had a feeling that now it might be possible because my body was healing.
This sparked the reminder that Jesus is my hope. It is because of Him that I have hope in every, single day. Something as simple as going to bed at night and looking forward to getting up the next morning to have a cup of coffee while I spend time in God’s Word. Hope.
He is my hope in every season. Whether it is my favorite season of the year, or my least favorite, there is beauty surrounding me, and there is hope because of Him. When life’s season gets tough, I am better able to sustain, yet hope for better days because of Him. He brings light to the darkness.
There are things about every season that I enjoy, but some more-so than others. Fall is my favorite. I love some of the lazy days of summer. I love the slower, quieter times of winter. Spring often equals a “back-to-it” feeling that doesn’t sit quite as well with me; however, there are so many things that are indescribably beautiful. It yields a hope of summer sunshine, and riding with the windows down or lounging by the pool. But, one extremely bright spot of springtime for me is Easter.
I love the fall and winter holidays and the warmth of togetherness and giving. Easter, for me, however, has a different vibe. I realize the wide variation of weather here in the Ohio Valley may have some bearing on it, but it truly is the simple truth that I have heard year after year for as long as I can remember…the story that never—ever—gets old. Nor, do I want it to.
This is the story that God sent His one and only Son to walk with humanity and know the challenges we face first hand. He came to show love and healing; to bring correction and direction. He came to die a criminal’s death…a cruel death that I cannot wrap my head around. The torture he faced is incomprehensible. But this story doesn’t end in death. On the third day, Hope arose.
He shed His blood, pure and holy, to cover the sins of the repentant heart. He suffered. He bled. He died. But…He arose. …all, that we might live…but not just live humdrum, but life more abundantly…life with hope…and life with power to overcome!
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:9-11 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.10.9-11.ESV
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 1:18-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.1.18-20.NLT
Some may scoff, and it’s easy to question; but I have experienced Him and His faithfulness. He is my hope and the source of my perseverance. Reflections of Easters past hold a warm place in my soul. From sunrise services to Easter plays that Steve and the kids have participated in, to church services held inside and out, to Easter dinners at Grandma’s (and elsewhere) and Easter egg hunts; from Easter bonnets [that I didn’t get to wear to church because I had the chicken pox (4th grade) and couldn’t bear the thought of wearing it after Easter when no on else would be wearing a hat!] to pretty dresses, hats, and pink pumps to jeans and a shirt I already had…the traditions weren’t/aren’t set in stone, but the one main tradition that has held true was/is to simply celebrate the Cornerstone of our faith that defied death and lives today…offering hope for now, and for eternity…if only we will accept this precious gift and believe.
The story is told in one way or another year after year as it should be. The sad truth is that you can hear the story a thousand times and still reject it. God loved us so much that He, not only sent Jesus to die for us, but He gives us the privilege to choose if we accept the gift or reject it. If you have fallen into this category up until now, this Easter season is the perfect time to choose to accept.
“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.6.2.NLT
Whatever your current season, there is hope for your future…for now and for eternity when you choose Jesus.
Today…
Choose salvation.
Choose life.
Choose hope.
Choose to celebrate!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.16.KJV
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 