What Difference

We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust Him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously. 1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT

I do believe that Jesus has forgiven my sins and promises life everlasting. Honestly, it is His enduring promise as we age through this life.... But here's the challenge of Easter that I mulled over this past week and want share.

What difference does Easter make as we go about the normal routines of daily life? What difference does Easter make when our co-worker does something block-headed? What difference does Easter make when there's a family spat? When we are struggling with an addiction, when we are a single parent, or deep in debt, when we are lonely -  depressed-how can Easter make a difference in our day-to-day living?

This might be thinking from a bit of a practical mindset.... but Easter challenges our attitude and conduct as we go about daily life. The heart of the challenge is this. It's natural to think in the flesh that death is the end, but to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? 

That goes against almost everything in our experience. Jesus liked a passage from the prophet Isaiah, "They may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand." 

Are we seeing and hearing the Easter story today but not perceiving, not understanding, not really getting it? Have you and I heard this story, Christ is risen from the dead so often that it loses its absolutely stunning quality, that this Holy day ends up being more ritual than reality? 

If we accept the dominance and finality of death, it will show in how we live and act in our own lives and towards others..... On the other hand, think about what might pour into our daily life when we believe and declare that Jesus really did come back to life and will never die again.

I think at times our penchant is for the predictable, doing what comes naturally. But Easter brings us face to face with the supernatural. God raised Jesus from the dead. "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54). "I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17). 

It's one thing to be filled with Easter thoughts and feelings this weekend when it’s on our kitchen calendar but the real challenge of Easter is how we face life on our routine days. Is our daily attitude and conduct bound to the natural and predictable like the women who went to the Tomb, shocked and afraid because of what happened, or does the awe-filled resurrection of Jesus Christ put undeniable hope in your heart for every situation you face? 

Because my friends, the Easter story doesn't end with fear. The story goes on to joy and hope at the awesome thing God does in restoring His Son to life.