“Hopeful or Hopeless”

He was hated and rejected by people.
    He had much pain and suffering.
People would not even look at him.
    He was hated, and we didn’t even notice him. Isaiah 53:3 NCV

Spring has definitely sprung and the season of Easter is in the air.

What thoughts enter your mind when you think of Easter? Cute little bunnies or chicks hopping around, children decorating hard boiled eggs, filling baskets with goodies, hiding plastic eggs filled with candy or coins … laughter and family times with memories around a holiday table … are these the memoirs of Easter for you?

Perhaps your recollections are those of finding the perfect Sunday outfit to wear to church or preparing a memorable festive meal in your home. Maybe participating in a musical play that commemorated the Biblical testimonies of the first Easter celebration.

Or it could be that this time of year presents itself as stressful, as the kids are going to be home for a week and you are wanting to plan a vacation that just isn’t economically feasible this year. That huge family gathering that’s expected to be in your home sets the stage for tension over religious debate and argument, and you just want a peaceful meal.

This year may have been the game changer you didn’t see coming and you experienced loss ~ death of a family member or dream, loss of a job or relationship ~ this Easter may be a landmark that will be bittersweet.

And yet, there is still hope for the future ~ you still have a future, Friend.

That’s the meaning of Easter. Hope is confident expectation that something will happen. With Jesus, there is always the opportunity to exhale hope and peace.

¹⁰ A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness. John 10:10 NCV

Jesus came to show us that religion is not what the Father intended for us to live by. For those of you who detest rules and regulations, this should set your heart at ease. Relationship with GOD is what He designed us for. That relationship could only come through His Son, Jesus, who came to show us ~ He understood us to be visual creatures. It’s only evident in that when Jesus taught, the parables were metaphorical mysteries to many. But to those with ears to hear …

Jesus came in the flesh, like you and me, so that we could relate to Him on all levels. He ached when His friends were emotionally distraught ~ He felt the pain of grief at the death of others ~ He experienced joy when He brought restoration and healing into broken lives.

There was a constant reminder from Him when He was teaching His friends about life on earth: there will always be trouble this side of paradise. But His words were repeatedly: don’t focus on those troubles: focus on Him.

³³ “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 NCV

Reading this will not take away your issues. Dropping to your knees may not change your circumstances. Trusting Jesus with all of that ~ now, that’s where things will change the trajectory of your journey.

That tiny seed of faith that you allow to grow within you will begin to take root and sprout. But it won’t happen in the shade ~ heat is necessary as is fertilizer. And be ready to dig those roots deep enough to withstand the wind and rain.

Such is the hope-filled life. It doesn’t always make sense to the human eye. And it will not always be reasonable against the logic of man. But in GOD’s economy where obedience is translated as faithfulness, there’s no need to explain your actions. GOD sees and knows all.

Hope anchored in faith can take you places ~ those places where friendships are formed, compassion is exchanged, and generosity is more than just dollars and cents. Hope will elevate your mindset and heal your brokenness. Hope in Jesus is where you’ll find all that your heart is longing for. He will fill that void you’ve been erroneously trying to fill with people, activity, accolades and accomplishments.

As sure as the resurrection happened over two-thousand years ago, Jesus is fully capable of resurrecting the shattered places of your life. Let Him breathe life anew into you. Invite Him in to restore what you think is beyond repair. Nothing is too hard for Him.

I’m living proof.

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary

*Thank you to Toby Mac for this.