It’s Resurrection Weekend, and God is up to something. Someone asked me recently what emotion I’ve felt the most during the season. It’s been a roller coaster of ups and downs – good and bad things happening in the world, and in our lives. We have walked through darkness, uncertainty, grief, and loss. But my emotion has been one of anticipation, because I see transformation and change happening. In my own life, circumstances that left me feeling the darkness have also kept me from walking in complete freedom. Little by little, I am releasing and letting go, knowing the old normal is no longer. And I’m okay with that.We’re emerging from the season of pandemic, and many of us will feel Easter in a deeper way. We’re more grateful and have clarity to see this precious gift of life. I want to emerge from this past season like the butterfly in its cocoon, waiting, anticipating, and then released to fly. The butterfly didn’t conform, but transformed. It knew the time would come when the light would pierce the darkness of that confinement.
We’ve all been cocooned, but Easter brings the reminder that we are meant to fly in freedom because of Jesus.
On my prayer walk today, I reflected on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We will sing about it on Easter morning and be humbled together by the love that set
us free. God is up to something. Easter is taking on a new perspective as I loosen my grip on things I’ve held tight and offer them up to God. I am believing and trusting that when we offer our doubts, fears, and worries to God, He resurrects everything in our lives in ways we can never imagine. It’s a challenge in our culture to silence our voice and not ask God for anything, but to simply give Him thanks. They nailed our Lord and Savior to a wooden cross, as if he were a criminal. We can walk in freedom today because he walked through darkness while hanging on that cross. He died a cruel death for you and me and for everyone you encounter today. He suffered for people you will never meet. We are all loved, and God wants us to feel the hope of our release, like the butterfly.
Yesterday was Good Friday. I am stilled and overwhelmed with gratefulness for all that day represents, and I am rejoicing with the expectation. I am filling this weekend with grateful prayers and saying thank you to Jesus for what He endured for me. For you.