4.11.2012

Because He Lives...

For the last two weeks I've had the Easter Song stuck in my head. Over and over I find myself humming or singing the words, "Christ has risen from the dead ... we can be born again", and I wonder what it is about this song that has caused it to become stuck on repeat in my brain. Is it the joy of knowing that we can celebrate each and every day because He lives? Is it the gratitude that I feel when I think about what He has done for me and the understanding that He has a plan for my life, even when I can't see the big picture? Or is it just a catchy tune?

Two weeks ago we got good news - Peter was offered a job that he's been hoping for since October. Same company, different department, and as an added bonus, he no longer has to wear a polyester uniform. It was something we had been praying about and talking over and hoping would happen, but within minutes of being offered the job, he was stopped in the hallway by a co-worker who poured out a story of such sadness and hopelessness, that any joy over the new job just melted away. It put life in an eternal perspective.

Since that time, it has felt like the stream of brokenness has continued. Death, sickness, anger, family tensions ... the list goes on and on. At one point over the Easter week-end, the comment was made that "it feels like everyone we know is broken" - and even though we know the Who that can fix them, we can't force them to the Answer. They have to choose Him on their own. We can encourage and pray and point and talk, but in the end, it's up to them.

And I'll be honest, it's hard to sit back and watch. There have been tears and petitions to God that He would "fix" them, and that we would be available as the "tools" that He can use. There have been times when I have wanted to pack a bag and move to a deserted tropical island with a hammock, a stack of books, and something cool and refreshing with a tiny umbrella close at hand. I don't want to see people (which makes it an interesting mood to be in, considering that I work with the public), we haven't wanted to celebrate Peter's promotion, and there has generally been (in the words of the Disney classic, Casey at the Bat), "no joy in Mudville".

And now you see why I haven't been blogging. What do I have to share? The cold reality is that this world is full of brokenness, which is exactly why the Easter Song has been stuck in my head. I don't think it's a coincidence that I have been reminded over and over that Christ died, Christ arose, and I have the opportunity to offer that eternal Hope up to everyone I meet. There are storms in life, but nothing that takes God by surprise. I can't see the future, I don't know when I'm going to quit my job or when or where I will work next, we don't have a clue what the future will hold for Peter's co-workers or how that will affect us, but we rest in knowing that there was an empty tomb on Easter morning, and we are blessed to serve a Risen Savior, 365 days of the year.

By: Alfred H. Ackley

I serve a risen Saviour; He's in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He's always near.

{Chorus}
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.
I know that He is leading, thro' all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian! Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

 
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3 comments:

  1. Amen to that.... it's nice to see you "back" in blogville, even if it's just for a minute. :o)

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  2. Wow, Carrie, I've been feeling like I've been wading through a "stream of brokenness," too. That is such a poetic way to put it... So many things have been weighing heavy on my heart lately. I have my own struggles, but I'm finding lately it's the struggles of others that are weighing more heavily on me. It IS so, so hard to sit back & watch. I can pray, but aside from that there is usually very little that I can do. I, too, am thankful -- and longing -- for the day when all things will be made right. Thankful indeed for the empty tomb and our risen Savior.

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  3. Carrie, Yes, I feel this so much too--and it's a struggle living with the joy of good news, and the weight of all the sorrow and brokenness. It leaves us conflictive with how to weep with those who weep and at the same time, rejoicing with those who rejoice.

    Your post defines our past three years, and truly, may have affected my blogging as well. The same time our grandchildren were born and my best friend got married, John's sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, a niece went through an awful divorce, and other family issues came from every side. And this was when plans were coming together to be part of a ministry in Ottawa. Emotions collided with full force! On one day, I flew into Asheville from my friend's shower and drove directly to the hospital to visit my hurting, despairing sister-in-law.

    Our personal lives are microcosms of what's going on worldwide. Wheat and tares are growing up together, circumstantially, emotionally, and spiritually. I can hardly stand watching the news because I become overwhelmed by the sin, sadness, and despair all around!

    BUT GOD! He is our hope and stay! My hope is built on nothing less but Jesus' blood and righteousness. He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This Same Jesus will return! He is with us, on the mountaintops and in the valleys. If all else fails, He will never leave me or forsake me. He loves me! In this world we have tribulation, but He has overcome the world. And He is with us always, even tothe end of the earth.

    Your admonition hits the target! In all our ways we acknowldege Him, draw near to Him daily, and trust that He will give us strength for the day!

    Rejoicing with you in Peter's job and will daily give thanks, for this is God's will concerning us!

    Blessings! Linda

    Ps..my Wordpress account always gives me a hard time logging into blogger. Here's my url: htpp://absolutegrace.wordpress.com

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