Happy Easter! Our Lord is Risen! The phrase, "He is risen" has been said millions of times in hundreds of languages, but remains so incredibly powerful. And the fact that Jesus is no longer dead is what drives us all to keep working to extend His eternal Kingdom, by His grace and in His strength.
We will write a new ministry and family blog post later this week, but had just wanted to wish everyone a blessed Sunday! (I [Karissa] am actually staying home this morning with a sinus infection, while Gus takes the older three kids to the church service. We appreciate prayers that this sickness passes quickly and that no one else gets it.)
I know that some of you might not be in the "Easter mood" today... Perhaps you've had a rough week or month or year so far, and you're not really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel yet. I wrote something yesterday to share on Facebook, and wanted to share it here too, in case it might encourage you:
"That Saturday must have been beyond horrible... Their best friend and teacher was dead, their hopes completely dashed.
John had stood there by the cross the day before, crying, watching his close friend and leader die. But Peter had an even worse memory: the last look he had seen on Jesus' face was the pain of betrayal as Peter denied Him for the third time.
Maybe if he hadn't behaved like such a coward things could have ended differently, he thinks. But then again, Peter is still baffled by the fact that Jesus didn't let him defend Him with the sword He had told Peter to buy....
What a terrible day of shattered hope, that lonely Saturday.
Are you living through a season of regrets or confusion?
Do you feel like God has not answered in a way you could understand?
Or do you think that after your latest rebellion or failure there is no way He could still forgive you, let alone love you?
Do you feel like God has not answered in a way you could understand?
Or do you think that after your latest rebellion or failure there is no way He could still forgive you, let alone love you?
There are things at work in places you wouldn't believe right now. It may seem eerily quiet & lonely, but soon dawn will break, the stone will be rolled away and the One who was dead will rise victorious. He hasn't given up on you!"
Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.
May God continue to bless & encourage you today and every day.
Because of His Death & Resurrection,
~ The Guevara Family
Thanks for sharing, Karissa. It reminds of a human video we did at my church in the late 90's called Sunday's on The Way. It's that reminder that we have hope coming, even in those dark, lonely, regret-filled, challenging Saturdays.
ReplyDeletePraying that your health strengthens soon!