The Faces of Easter

Up until now, the tears had stayed neatly tucked inside, but not now. It’s Good Friday and my heart is overflowing. Once I saw the miracle of those faces on my computer screen, it was too much to contain. God is certainly not limited by our circumstances nor is He hindered by what is happening around us.

It was well over a month ago when we were told to “go inside” and live our lives at a distance. Without realizing it, it was then I put on my “strong and rest assured” face. And then I held my breath. 

However today, the moment I woke up I received a message with a picture attached that reminded me, there’s no living at a distance, not where God’s concerned. Did I just hear myself take a deep breath? Yes, I sure did! I needed that deep cleansing breath reminder. God is absolutely in control, now breathe! 

It’s also a reminder that what was true over 2000 years ago is still true today; we serve a God whose resurrection power transcended life and death. Which is why He certainly would have no problem dealing with a little distance! And looking right back at me on the computer are those faces that are modern day examples of that truth. 

“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgements He has pronounced.”

(1Chronicles 16:11-12 NIV)

On the other side of my screen, is a picture of a young family for whom I had been praying. Previously, the wife had put out an urgent prayer chain request. Her young husband had gotten COVID-19, and had progressed rapidly to serious condition. He quickly had to be put on a ventilator, there was not much hope. So she rallied the powers of prayer. That was her husband, the father of her son, the love of her life. And nothing was going to stop her from doing all she could to save his life. 

Even though we have never met, prayers went up continually. We were introduced through a closed FB group and people were praying from all over the country. The focus of this group is to encourage and uplift one another and to pray. This was by far one of the most urgent and serious requests I had received. Yet, what stayed with me, as I prayed, was their faces. They were precious, young, and vulnerable. 

Word came today; He is Home! Can you imagine the celebration? Our God’s resurrection power has transcended space, time, and distance. For today, Christ is just as real, His truth is just as personal and prayer is just as powerful as it was 2000 years ago. And when this family sits down for dinner on Sunday no doubt they will see the Blessings of Easter in the faces of their loved ones in a way they have never seen before. Praise be to God on High. 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

(I Peter 1:3 NIV)