John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

At some time or another, we have all had loved ones pass on in death, or we have experienced a dying of some kind in our personal walk with Jesus. As I have pondered what it means to lay down our lives, I am awed by the presence of life in the midst of death. When we lay down our lives in the Presence of God, in whatever fashion is right for our season, there is a promise of everything coming to new life on the other side. This paradox is full of mystery and full of beauty.

That is the purpose of Jesus coming to us: to rescue us from death and to restore us to our original design, completely alive and forever with Him. He is our example and shows us the way. He gave up everything to pass through death and lead us to an even better, more full life. As we celebrate His victory over death, we ponder how we can follow His example to lay down our temporary, limited life in order to find new life with Him.

Where is the Lord leading you to “die” in order to live?

Prayer:

Lord, You are the Giver of life. You conquered death and removed all fear. We celebrate Your glorious victory, and we follow Your lead. Guide us to the things we need to release to You, and then fill us with new life. We trust You in the process and rejoice in an even better life forever in Your Presence.

Jennifer Huffman

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