At the time of writing these words, the world collectively holds its breath as an ominous virus threatens our daily routines. The media hype ensures that panic sends everyone into a hoarding mode, businesses are taking a hit be it financial, loss of employees or the complete loss of their business. And then there’s the stock market dive. We need a good virus to overtake the current one.
Bacteria has proven to be an incredible force in its ability to contaminate the human body as well as the human heart. In the midst of panic and what can sometimes appear as insanity, Easter is quietly approaching.
On this side of the cross. we get that 20/20-hindsight vision of what was accomplished at Easter. A virus had set itself in the heart of men, and they sought to trap the Son of God with His own words and the goal was to be rid of Him.
They feared Him because He was a threat to them. Fear overtook their sound thinking resulting in panic and the desperate belief that killing Him was the only answer. How nice would it be to keep those motives at arm’s length and act like we can’t possibly understand fear, hatred, loss of control, desperation! If left unchecked, these natural emotions can become a virus to the heart setting itself against the antidote to anxiety.
This antidote is a Love so big, so deep, and so extravagant that it would absorb all our fear, hatred, insanity, etc. This Love went eye to eye with the manifestation of the curse that man had invited into existence and did not back down. This Love become that curse and took it to the grave to set His beloved free. Once and for all.
This Love who chose to become the curse for us is found in the unique person of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.
Many saw a mere man, but He was more than that. He was a man who knew his God. Filled with His Father’s presence, He was a Son who pursued His Father’s heart with passion. He walked unafraid in this life because He knew His Father.
Christ’s life, death, and burial would have no significance or power if the stone had not been rolled away. But it was rolled away. Light shone into the dark, dank, hand-carved tomb. With Christ’s resurrection, life came forth—His life and a new way of life for us. The curse dissolved and the opportunity was born for us to walk into and explore who God created us to be.
Every day I get to enjoy the adventure of discovering God in every circumstance and situation. This is the foundational thing that keeps me going when life gets complicated and painful.
Easter is the absolute best news any of us could hope for. Since my husband’s passing, it has taken on an even deeper value for me. At the height of my “whys” with God, He spoke tenderly to my spirit. “No, Sherrie, I did not stop Larry’s death, nor did I raise my hand to stop the death of my only Son so that you too could be reunited with your loved one.”
Where do you need the Light to shine and in what way? Is there a stone that needs to be rolled away? If so, the price has already been paid, the curse has been lifted. You’re free to discover the full meaning of what was purchased and gifted to you. You are expected to ask Him for what you need, to inquire of His love for you and to explore what it means to be His daughter. Ask Him!
The virus of panic or the virus of peace. Fear and faith cannot dwell together. They are competing viruses and one will overtake the other. But the good news is that you’re more in control than you think. You get to choose which one infects your heart and mind. The one you invest in will grow and produce a harvest.
Be the woman who is empowered by God. Be the daughter filled with her Father’s presence and who pursues her Father’s heart with passion and a deep desire to know Him more and more with each new day. Build His truth upon truth in your life, so you can walk unafraid in this life because you’re seen, heard and you have been spoken for.
Your Protector and Provider will never let anyone and anything come near you that He cannot or has not already redeemed.
NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
Want more encouragement? Listen to real stories from real people who can testify to God’s goodness in this life: https://alifeofthrive.com/finding-god-in-our-pain-podcast/
PS: Do it again God! This Easter, extend your hand and remove the virus from all across the globe. Remind us You became the curse and You buried it! And that because You live we will too!
Self-Reflection
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.
Take Action
Use God’s word to take control over the traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His word.
Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s Word says about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
When you read God’s love letter to you say to yourself: God is instructing me to give him my fears and anxieties. He cares about me and He cares for me. When I invite Him in, I give Him permission to work on my behalf. I can take my fears and see what God’s Word says about my situation.
