“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33   NIV

Jesus continuously told others to be confident…to be of good cheer…to not be afraid. He did this up to the very moment He was betrayed and handed over to be persecuted.

Even then…even as He suffered, He knew that God had His back. In the midst of being beaten and ridiculed…He knew there would be a happy ending.

And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ).

Mark 15:34   (NIV)

Jesus spoke those words in his humble humanity. But our savior and Lord knew that His Father would not abandon Him. He knew that this was the reason He was born into our world. He also knew He had to die (the ultimate sacrifice) to redeem us from Satan’s power over us.

Because of His close and intimate relationship with His Father, Jesus knew that regardless of the suffering He would endure… God (His dad) would work all things out in a way that would glorify both the Father AND the Son!

Just like His son, God has our back as we try to lead a life pleasing to Him! I know He’s protected me countless times from bodily harm as I unknowingly (and sometimes knowingly) do something that jeopardizes my physical safety.

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10  (NIV)

I like to think though, that I’m able to identify more with Jesus’ suffering and death because of my disabilities. Yet that’s what we all do when we face tremendous challenges…when life gives us more than we can handle. It’s then that we need to remember that God always has our back.

On Good Friday, we commemorate the crucifixion and death of God’s Son. At this special and holy time of year…may we ALL deeply identify and testify to the RISEN Christ who died for us to conquer all the evil that Satan throws our way. In doing that, He ensures that we all can have a resurrection life.

Have a blessed Easter!

Dear Lord,

We celebrate Easter every year as a reminder that You sacrificed Your Son so that we could all spend our eternity in Your presence.

Jesus’ death and resurrection is a constant testimony for us that You have the ability to bring us all to new life as we put our faith and confidence in Your Son.

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