Even when the day wakes up with a smothering gray film across the sky does not mean the sun will never shine again.
Even when the first day of Spring is the coldest day you have experienced in two weeks does not mean spring is not arriving.
Even when your plans get derailed over and over does not mean you won’t find your way.
Even when your “whys” outweigh the answers you are receiving is not a sign that the answers will never come.
Even when Jesus came to Earth to fulfill His Father’s plans is not an indication that the sacrifice He made was not the beginning of the Good News that He came to share.
Jesus’ slow, deliberate walk toward the hillside with a wooden cross on His back is the beginning. His “yes” was the answer to overcome all of our “noes”. His willingness to sacrifice Himself in pain and suffering was a gift that He wanted to share with each of us. Jesus’ walk was not in vain. He marked the path to the cross and taught us on the way what it means to follow the plan that is set out before all of us.
[Tweet “Jesus died on the cross, wiped the slate clean and ended speculation the enemy was defeated.”]
Jesus did bring the Good News. His death and resurrection were the start of the Good News that we all share in as Christ followers. But it doesn’t stop there. When Jesus died for us on the cross, He wiped the slate clean. The enemy was defeated once and for all and our days of speculation ended on that same day.
His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. Ephesians 2:15-16
So when we question events that happen in our lives, Jesus is the answer.
When the calendar marks the first day of a new season, God assured us the beginning of each season when He created the world.
When our plans look like nothing we had hoped for, Jesus sacrificed Himself that we may know His peace, love and grace.
And when Jesus came to Earth to fulfill the plans of the Father, it was the start of a beautiful beginning. Endings are no more when our life is in Christ.
As we remember the walk to the cross this week, may we know the ending of Jesus’ life was His gift of love and grace for all of us. The blessing of new life began on that Good Friday so many years ago.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
Blessings of grace along the way!
Dear Mary …
Yes, yes. Even when. Especially when.
You have offered a gentle reminder. And I am grateful.
He is risen … just as He said! I see Him here, I see Him in you …
Isn’t it the most amazing reminder? The foot of the cross is where we begin but Jesus did not end there and either will we when we are His. May we hold this reminder close as we journey with Jesus this week to the cross and the resurrection.
Beautiful words of hope to begin this Holy Week, Mary! Praying that your week is filled with intimate moments with our Lord. Blessings!
Amen! This is my favorite week of the whole year. I love losing myself in the journey Jesus walked and the beautiful result on Easter. Hugs to you!
Yes “even when” So important to remember that. Loved this friend!
Even when we can’t see our way, God sees it and has already planned it. Those are words especially for you and your beautiful desire for more in the life ahead. Always a gift when you stop by! Love you friend!
Mary,
Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder that when we are faced with the “Even if’s”, the answer always is “But, God…” Even if we screw up over and over again…God sent His Son to wipe the slate clean. Even if life brings difficult twists and turns…God is in control and He’s got this. I always need this reminder because I am great at the “Even if’s”.
Thanks Mark and Happy, but chilly start to Spring!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I feel my post was a nice complement to yours on feeling inadequate. We just need to lay it all at the foot of the cross and let God do what He does best-take care of us! I needed the reminder too that God is there even when we don’t quite see Him or feel His presence. Praying your week has started off well.
Hi Mary – this post made me think of all of your “even when” moments in the recent months. They certainly make life interesting and challenge our sense of organization and being in control. Even when we doubt, seek wisdom and pray, what a comfort to know that God is always with us – taking the burden of the “even when” moments on His back.
Recently, I had an “even when” moment (we found out that the district is eliminating tutors next year), and was reminded by my dear husband that God is in control. This is the truth that carries me thru each day, gives me hope for the future and grace to accept His will.
Hope to see you soon.
Love,
Karen
Our “even when” moments certainly take our plans on a path that we don’t recognize. But God loves for us to say “help” and He is there to carry the burden with us. I am shocked by your news about next school year. That is a big “even when” moment. I will be praying that this change in plans becomes a blessing you can’t even imagine right now. Love you friend!
Yes, sometimes our darkest hour, like Christ’s, is the doorway to a bright and redemptive future. Even if I must wait to experience that future in eternity! Love your words of hope to us today, Mary. Always inspiring to visit and love the scenic shots. Just breathtaking!
Thank you for your kind words. Even when Jesus was walking toward the inevitable plan of His Father’s, He still followed through and thankfully He did. Our hope is in Jesus and this week we can walk to the cross with Him and remember the amazing gift He gave us. It is such a blessing to have you here, Beth!
Amazing description Mary. Amazing love!
Amen! Even if all our plans never come to pass we are redeemed at the foot of the cross by Jesus who replaces our mess with His grace and love. Thank you for being here today!
Mary, these words may sound trite or simplistic but they are so true as a reply to all of our fear, pain, worry and uncertainty: “Jesus is the answer.” Looking to Jesus and resting in His finished work on the cross is the way to live victoriously in the midst of our mess and problems. Thank you for this glorious reminder. It also put me in mind of a song called ‘Even If’ by Kutless. Their lyrics have spoken to me time and again. Here’s an excerpt:
“Sometimes all we have to hold on to
is what we know is true of who you are
so when the heartache hits, like a hurricane
that can never change, who you are
And we trust, in who you are
Even if the healing doesn’t come
and life falls apart
and dreams are still undone
You are God, You are good, forever faithful one
Even if the healing, even if the healing doesn’t come”
Our God changes not – hallelujah! Blessings on your week ahead, <3
Beautiful! I know saying “Jesus is the answer” is almost like a catchphrase but until we believe that we might need to say it more often. Looking to Jesus to redeem our messes begins when we sit at the foot of the cross and say yes to following Him into the resurrection of our own selves away from the death and destruction of the enemy. Thank you for sharing the words to this Kutless song. The lyrics are a perfect addition to the words of my post. Blessings as we walk to the cross this week.
A promise of resurrection in the midst of the daily war against sin;
A reminder that the cross was not the end of God’s plan, but only the beginning.
Mary, I enjoy finding these meditations at the end of my Saturday.
A blessed Palm Sunday to you tomorrow!
Thank you Michele for your sweet encouragement. I love just stepping back, being still and listening to what God wants to teach me. Taking time on the weekends to soak in some God time is a blessing. I love having you join me for these weekend reflections.