Victory!

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

Those three words changed my life. Not only today, but every day. Because Christ is risen, Christ has triumphed, my life is changed.

I really liked an analogy my pastor used today during his sermon. When people go fishing, they put a small, lifeless worm on the hook, and stick it in the water, in hopes to catch a fish. The fish sees the worm, and thinks, "Oh boy, a meal!" and when the fish goes up to take a bite, he gets hooked.

One Easter day 2000 years ago, Jesus lay lifeless on a hook, and just like the fish thought he was winning, the devil thought victory was his. It was not. The devil did not triumph. He was pulled from the water and he lost the battle.

And because he lost the battle- that means WE win! How awesome is that?

I mentioned the last few days how my recent illness and trials had made reflecting on the Lord's passion so much more meaningful-  I didn't realize, it ALSO makes the Resurrection celebration so much more joyful! Never have I rejoiced so much in the victory and joys of this day!

In fact, during the singing of many hymns at the congregations I played for today, I had tears streaming down my face as I played. It was beautiful- such a great celebration!

Though I love pretty much all Easter hymns, one that is not frequently sung, and I love the text, especially the very first few lines:

Christ is risen, Christ is living!
Dry your tears; be unafraid!


My tears this morning were not of sadness- but of joy. Jubilation.

But there are still many, many tears that have been shed over the last few months. And those were tears of sorrow and sadness. There were no joy in any of those teardrops.

But despite was has happened- Jesus has come to wipe away all of my tears. There is no reason to cry. There is no reason to be afraid.

There is no amount of physical pain, no amount of emotional turmoil, no level of depression, no measure of anxiety, no harsh words or actions of persecution, no failures, no shortcomings, no feelings of hopelessness, no disappointment that was not defeated on that Easter morning.

When Jesus rose from the tomb, He crushed all the reasons I have to cry, He crushed all of the reasons I have to be afraid.

His victory means my victory- and yours too. In case you didn't catch it the first time, let me reassure you, there is nothing- no amount of pain, or hardship, or sorrow, that was not conquered on that Easter morning 2000 years ago.

Another favorite of my Easter hymns starts off:


I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives.... 


And continues...


He lives to silence all my fears
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.


That very verse of the hymn sums up what I have been writing about for months-  Though my life was, is, and will be full of fears, tears, and troubles, He lives to silence, wipe away, calm, and comfort me. And as I continue to speak of blessings, I find comfort knowing that ALL blessings are imparted by my living Redeemer.

Not only do I have eternal victory, but I have victory over my illness. I have WON! I have conquered. It doesn't matter how long I continue to have struggles- I WIN!

And be assured, that you WIN as well- over any struggle, argument, hardship, trial, illness, etc. in your life. Victory is yours! Celebrate! How can your heart not be filled with joy when a Savior died and rose just for you? 


ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! 


This powerful message will probably be the topic of my blog posts for the next week or so. 


A week ago, I took a photo of my palm branch cross. Today, the cross is full of life and victory. Here is a picture of the lilly cross in my home church (I wish I had taken a photo of ALL the lilies throughout the sanctuary. 

Blessings:
-I was awake to greet the rising sun and the Risen SON!


-Successfully playing and sharing the message of the Risen Son at two congregations.


-Singing and playing many Easter hymns.


-Receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion twice.


-Easter breakfast and fellowship!


-Singing and proclaiming the message with the choir at my church


-Lunch at one Grandma's house; dinner at another.


-A time for a brief nap to catch up on missed sleep!


-He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!




If you are reading this and don't know what Jesus has done for you, please e-mail me, message me, comment on here- I'd love to share the joy of the story with you! Even if you happen to come across this post months past Easter- please contact me!