“Mam! Do you know what day it is?”
“Who is the president of the United States?”
“Are you okay?”
For a minute I just stared at him, wondering who he was and why he was in my face, asking random questions. My wrecked bike lay beside me. I had multiple cuts, a throbbing black eye and a couple of goose eggs on the side of my head. Finally, I said, “It’s Tuesday. Donald Trump is president. I’m okay . . . I guess.”
My husband and I went mountain biking last summer at a ski resort near Taos, New Mexico. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but when I hit loose gravel at high speed, my bike flew out from under me, and I hit the ground—hard.
Perhaps, I underestimated the slope (you think?).
Earlier, we were offered body armor but I said, “Nah, that’s overkill” (an ironic word choice).
Thankfully, I wore a crash helmet with a chin guard (too bad it didn’t protect my eye).
Finally, they loaded me into an ATV with a red cross on it. After multiple concussion tests and paperwork in their slope-side office, I was released. Then, we headed back down the mountain on the chairlift. I was strangely quiet until I saw the place where I had wrecked, and then I burst into tears.
It was wicked steep. Jagged rocks. Serrated tree stumps. If I’d wrecked a few feet over, one way or the other, well . . .
You’ve had some close calls, too, haven’t you?
Unexpected trauma. A sudden trip to the E.R. Or possibly, a biking accident . . .
These times remind us that life is very fragile and death is very real. Tragically, Planet Earth has no survivors, not even one.
That’s why we need a Savior.
Jesus once said these beautiful words,
“I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.” (Jn. 10:10 GNT)
Since death is our destiny, it’s the best news we will ever hear.
This week we celebrate Easter, the Resurrection Day of Jesus Christ. We celebrate because He triumphed over death—our worst enemy. Here’s the good news:
“Christ rose from the dead and will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. He died once for all to end sin’s power, but now he lives forever in unbroken fellowship with God.” (Rom 6:9-10 TLB)
Since Christ rose from the dead, it means that one day you will rise, too—if you belong to Him. Picture it: this life is not a dead-end, it’s just the beginning. As you celebrate Easter, celebrate these amazing promises:
1. You will be raised to live, again.
“For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” Jn. 6:40 NLT
This Easter, celebrate your eternal life, for it is already begun.
2. You are a new creation.
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” 2 Cor. 5:17 TLB
Receiving Christ’s forgiveness gives you a fresh start. And if you happen to mess that up, each day is new with Him. (#good news)
3. You have resurrection power at work in your life right now.
“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.” Eph. 1:19-20 NLT
The same resurrection power that raised Christ also works to resurrect the dead places in your life, including your relationships, dreams and hopes. C.S. Lewis said, “Resurrection is death working backwards.” Resurrection power is yours, both now and in the future (Rom. 8:11).
4. You are free.
“So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit—and this power is mine through Christ Jesus—has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death.” Rom 8:1-2 TLB
You are completely forgiven—freed from the curse of sin and death forever. Embracing this reality can free you from the chains of fear, disappointment and shame.
5. You are safe.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Tim 4:18 NIV
Your salvation is secure. No one can shake you from the Lord’s grasp (Jn. 10:28). There’s a lot of comfort (and joy) in knowing that you belong to God, no matter what. This “blessed assurance” gives you a firm foundation upon which to build a meaningful life.
6. Your hope is real.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 NIV
Those who have hope live differently. They love differently. As a believer in Christ, you have the greatest hope there is!
7. Your life has a good purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Rom. 8:28 NIV
Even as you face difficulty, you can rest assured that the Lord can somehow use your pain for good. This changes your perspective. Having a sense of purpose in your pain makes you stronger. Maintaining this redemptive view of your suffering is the key to overcoming depression and despair.
8. You will never be alone.
“. . . God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 NIV
Even though you may feel lonely, you aren’t truly alone, for the Lord is with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:9). Incorporate this truth into your thoughts. Seek to know God better. Thank Him for His continuous presence, each day.
9. You have a bright future.
“The bodies we now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are eternal. Then the Scriptures will come true: Death has lost the battle! Where is its victory? Where is its sting? . . . Jesus Christ gives us the victory!” 1 Cor. 15:54-56 CEV
No matter how old you are, you still have a lot to look forward to. No matter how much you are suffering, your suffering will end. No matter how many times you’ve lost, victory is yours in the future!
10. God loves you.
“Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Rom. 8:39 CEV
While God loves all of His children, He also loves you, personally. Yes, you. Here’s the truth: your name is written on His hands (Is. 49:16). He knows you by name, for He sees you each day (Ps. 139:1-5). The Lord loves you more than anyone ever has or anyone ever will.
I feel like celebrating! I hope you do, too. Have a joyful & blessed Easter!
Good and timely post!
Thank you and have a blessed Easter!
Hi May,
Thank you so much for the 10 amazing Promises of God. They are all so wonderful and give us hope and encouragement. Hebrews 13:5 is one of my all time favorites – that God never leaves me or forsakes me. No matter what circumstances we have in our life – we can know that God is always there. He is always watching us and cares about every little detail. So glad that you are ok from your accident! Wow! God was watching over you that day for sure! Have a blessed Easter!
TRUTH!
Thanks Michele, good to know you are out there reading. Have a very blessed Easter!