He is Risen!!

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.  Come and see the place where He lay." Matthew 28:6 NIV

He is Risen!!!  Wow the most important three words that have ever been said. These three words fulfilled Jesus's promise to all mankind.  These three words gives me hope and faith in that I will one day join Jesus and be raised from the dead. 

Without hope, what do I have?  I know in the first year or so after Kirk's sudden passing, hope was not on my radar.  I would attend church, sing praises to my Savior, and basically go through the motions of my every day life.  But my hope tank was running low.  How can I go on without Kirk?  How can I can raise my daughter by myself?  Does Jesus even hear my prayers and cries for His help and hope? 

Finally, I had to find hope through my Savior.  I had to find hope that only my Jesus can give me.  I didn't have to look far for you see, I wear a cross necklace every day. It's a beautiful diamond cross that was a precious gift from Kirk.  This cross dangles right next to my heart.  The cross is where we can find hope of life and resurrection.  The cross symbolizes unconditional all consuming love, everlasting hope, and bountiful joy.  1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV states, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."   Jesus had to endure the cross to give us freedom from our sins.

 He took our sins, paid our debt, and poured His blood out for us!!! 

I had to go to the cross and nail my doubt and feelings of hopelessness to His cross.  The best part, He wants me to do that, He encourages me to do that every day!!  I won't lie to you, it's an every day struggle.  AND I HAVE TO BE WILLING TO DO THIS!!!  I have to submit every day to His will and have Hope that His plans are far better than anything I can imagine. 

All I have to do is look to the cross!!  I know the cross was used as a method of death, a horrible instrument of torturous death.  But it also represents hope that death has been overcome!! Jesus overcame the cross and the grave and was raised from the dead!!!  HOPE!!  Hope of a better tomorrow; hope of an eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.  Hope and faith that we will see our beloved husbands one day soon!!  What a glorious reunion that will be!! 

The Cross was Enough!! 

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24 NIV

Lord, thank you for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  Without those two days, there would be no hope for any of us.  Because of your sacrifice, I can live again.  I pray that the ones that do not know or understand the meaning of the cross will call out and seek you Lord.  Only You can fill the hole in our hearts and give us hope!!!  My hope comes from You and that is all I need!! In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen!!