Corona Devo 1182

If we are in need of proof of God's resurrection power...just look around.  

Springtime is a special time because it is a time of resurrection.  Not just for the trees, flowers and animals but for us too.

Some people live in places where it is green and lush all year round...and some of us live in Ohio.  That means that there are a few (too-quick) Spring/Summer months when the earth thaws and nature seems to wake up, unfurl and even explode.  It's a time of resurrection.

Maybe the snakes, toads and beetles that lay dormant under the soil all-Winter-long were not dead, but them coming back from a comatose state in Spring sure seems like a resurrection.  

The naked trees and bushes, stripped of their leaves last Fall, look dead and barren all Winter, but the fullness of their leafy greenery these (Spring) days appears to us as their resurrection.

The animals, the plants, and even the ground goes through seemingly dead seasons, but it's God's plan and good purpose for them to endure this and then to also experience renewal, revival and resurrection. 

 God has the same good plan and purpose for us.  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ~Jeremiah 29:11

There is a time and place for everything, and if we are in a state of barrenness today...it's okay.  

If we are slowly thawing from a season of numbness...it's okay.  

If we are hopeful in anticipation of what God is doing, or if we're in full gratitude for what He has done...it's all okay.  We are always moving through different seasons and there is a time for everything.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (2) a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, (3) a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, (4) a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, (5) a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, (6) a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, (7) a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, (8) a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace... (11) He has made everything beautiful in its time.  ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11

It's hard to see any beauty when we are in a season of loss or pain.  But our nearness to Christ during those (vulnerable) times can be next-level.  And our resurrection from such seasons gives us a faith all-the-deeper.

Jesus resurrects people physically--He did it for Lazarus.  If we are in need of hope today, this Bible account is proof of the resurrection power of Jesus.  

Now a man named Lazarus was sick...  (3) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

(4) When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 

(14) So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, (15) and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”...

(38) Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. (39) “Take away the stone,” he said...

(41) So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. (42) I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

(43) When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (44) The dead man came out...  ~John 11:1,3-4, 14-15, 38-39, 41-44

~~~

Jesus also resurrects people spiritually--He did it for Saul (a persecutor and prosecutor of Christians until his dead faith became alive).  If we are in need of hope today, this Bible account is proof of the spiritual resurrection power of Jesus.

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples... (3) As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 

(5) “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.  

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. (6) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 

(8) Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. (9) For three days he was blind...  

(17) Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (18) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  ~Acts 9:1, 3-6, 8-9, 17-18

If we are in need of proof of God's resurrection power...just look around.  

The earth is constantly ebbing with God's resurrection power in all stages.  Our relationships, faith and daily walk with the Lord can be resurrected when we give God the power over them.  

God is still in the business of changing lives and no matter what "season" we are in...there is a time for everything, and the Lord is with us through everything.  And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.  ~Matthew 28:20.

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com