For many of us, to say it’s been a challenging year is a huge understatement. We have faced more battles, difficulties, fears, and struggles than possibly ever endured before. Some have walked through times of deep loneliness and heartache; others have tried to find healing while navigating through seasons of great loss.
Through it all, many have lost touch with church and may find themselves drifting away from God during these uncertain months. If you find yourself in such a place, here’s hope: You are not alone. Jesus came for the very purpose of rescuing and redeeming our lives. He hasn’t lost touch, He hasn’t moved or drifted away from us, He’s always patiently waiting for our return. May He give us all a fresh glimpse of His glory this Easter season, as we’re reminded of His great love for us all.
Here 10 reasons why Easter reminds us that you can still hope in Christ, no matter how far away you feel.
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1. Jesus gave His life for us.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
If you’ve ever been in a place where you wondered if Jesus really cared, or even loves you, be assured – He does, and much more than you could ever know. In fact, He loves us so much that He chose to give His life as a sacrifice on our behalf. He knew that we needed a Savior, and there was no other way but for His perfect gift of love to pave the way. He is the ultimate example of what love truly is; He was willing to die so that we could live. Your life is precious to Him!
2. Christ offers us forgiveness.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” (Ephesians 1:7)
In paying such a great price on our behalf, Jesus offers us forgiveness and redeems us as His own. This is a gift that He freely gives if we are willing to accept it. Often the most difficult person to forgive is the one looking back at us in the mirror. The enemy loves to fill our minds with all our mistakes and make us feel that we could never be forgiven for what we’ve done. But Christ promises to wash us clean from any sin, if we’ll come to Him, give Him the broken pieces of our lives, and accept His loving forgiveness.
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3. Jesus rose from the dead and He is alive!
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…” (Matthew 28:6)
His power could not be contained in a grave. His love could not be conquered by death. His truth could never be buried and forgotten. Jesus Christ rose again, He is Victorious! There has never been a more miraculous moment in all of history. He did what no one else could ever do; our perfect Savior, raised from the dead, so that we could live free.
4. He holds the victory over sin and death.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
The very purpose of Easter reminds us that no matter what we’ve been through in the past, what we might be facing today, or what uncertainties tomorrow may still hold, Christ alone is our hope. He conquered death, He rose from the grave, and He is victorious over all. So we too, have victory through Jesus Christ our Lord!
An Easter Prayer of Celebration: He Is Risen!
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5. He breathes new life so that we can live free.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” (John 11:25)
Jesus promised us the gift of life and freedom – both in this world and in heaven still to come. Without Him, we are bound by the sin in our own lives and the traps of the enemy. But through Christ, we are set free from fear and death, and given new hope and eternal life. This gives us fresh vision for tomorrow, for we know He holds us, and our future securely in His hands.
6. He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“...and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
God doesn’t leave us all on our own to fend for ourselves through the struggles and disappointments of this life. He graciously gives us the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit, filling us, strengthening us as believers in Him. This is what gives us the power to keep pressing through, and the ability to live as Christ calls us to live in a dark world. His hope will never disappoint, but daily breathes fresh renewal straight into our spirits.
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7. Jesus is interceding for us.
“Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34)
In the times we don’t know how or what to pray, we can remember that Christ Himself is interceding for us at the right hand of God. He knows our needs and cares about all that concerns us; He promises to bring strength, peace, and protection for the road ahead. He alone is able to work powerfully on our behalf, even behind the scenes where we can’t fully see. We can fully trust Him in that and know He has the best in store.
8. He calls us with purpose to live for Him.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20)
When life feels uncertain or we’re struggling to find our way, we can rest assured that there’s great purpose and security through Christ. He is the reason we have hope for the future, He gives us all we need to live for, and the faith to believe our very existence is much greater than we can even see. We may never know this side of heaven, how His light and love shining through us can make a powerful difference in this world.
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9. Christ reminds us that He’s with us always.
“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
So often in the hardest times, we start to feel we’re all alone. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth! He is with us, always, and will never leave us or forsake us. Christ promises us the peace that passes our own understanding, as our hearts and minds are guarded in Him. He will surround us with reminders that He is close and will frequently bring us across the path of other believers who can encourage us in our faith. Through it all, remember, you are never alone.
10. He makes all things new again.
“He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:5)
When we’re at a crossroads in life, or simply looking for a fresh start after a difficult season, finding renewal through the hope of Christ is the place to start. Through Jesus’ journey to the cross, the gift of His life given for us, His victorious Resurrection, and promise of new life, we’re reminded that He will stop at nothing to make all things new again in our lives. It’s what He does best – redeeming, renewing, setting free, and opening pathways that we had never dreamed possible. Don’t ever believe the lie that you have drifted too far, or can never be forgiven, or it’s too late for you – we serve a powerful God who works miracles still today. And He is calling us even now to draw near to Him and just watch what He can do. For nothing is impossible for Him.
May His peace and great love surround you today, reminding you that He is near, and He cares.
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Originally published Thursday, 25 March 2021.
