But God ...

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,
5 that even though we were dead because of our sins,
he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
(It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ
and seated us with him in the heavenly realms
because we are united with Christ Jesus.
7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples
of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us,
as shown in all he has done for us
who are united with Christ Jesus.
~ Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT

Easter is here, perhaps appearing for you in the midst of dreary and rainy days. But then, when the sun breaks through, everything takes on fresh life. The spiritual sun broke through the dreary weather for me a few days ago as I soaked in the verses above. I invite you to read them slowly out loud and expect the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart through them.

As you soak in these words from God, receive the truths inbedded in them. For example, no matter what your circumstances are today, God loves you so much! You don't have to work hard to earn God's love. He has loved you before he created the earth. So receive and soak in his love.

Your problems may appear to be overwhelming, but remember where you are seated right now. You are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms! Ask the Holy Spirit to make that truth real to you. See how small your daily struggles can get when you consider them from God's perspective.

And we will still be seated with Jesus into the ages to come, or how else could God point to us forever "as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us"? Eternal blessings are promised to us in the glorious presence of God.

What in this passage speaks to you today? Why not slow down and don't miss the opportunities given to us in these sacred moments of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for us.Let Jesus fill your heart and mind with the light and love of his truth. It's a free gift that he died to give to you.

Dear friends, be blessed as you release all the doubts about God's love for you. Receive the truth that Father God delights in you. Your separation from him grieved him so much that he did the impossible, even the unimaginable, by raising you from your spiritual death, so you could enjoy all the benefits, forever, of being united with Jesus as his precious child. Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ April 13, 2022