Up Up & Away

We have been in the Easter season up until today, May 18th, which is notably called “Ascension Thursday”! It has been 40-days since Jesus was raised from the dead and eyewitnesses saw Him showing up to give them His “famous last words”.

Acts 1:3 verifies it: “After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” I love that — convincing proofs — no fake news there!

Of course, their discomfort increased. But here is when Jesus goes on to make specific promises to them that He would provide them with a “Comforter” (Holy Spirit) in His absence. (John 14:16)

So, for us, that means it’s power-up time! I believe this blog for this special day came to me direct from Heaven-Central! I know it because I know many of my readers who are in a world of hurt. They are experiencing life’s worst of times. They are exhausted and drained to the core. They are looking up in despair and saying, “What now? What next? I can’t handle one more thing.”

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul the Apostle tells of having similar thoughts. He says, “We were crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it.”

I relate to Paul’s confession. I remember the times we were ready to throw in the towel, too! Like Paul, defeat seemed probable, and we were ready to give up. But hold on! See what happens next:

“We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, Who alone could save us, for He can even raise the dead. And He did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect Him to do it again and again.”
(2 Corinthians 1:9-10)

Since God can raise the dead, Paul knew that He could certainly help him. And that is true for us, too. That same power that raised Jesus is available to us.

The resurrection of Jesus meant no situation is hopeless and no problem is too difficult. If God can raise a dead man, He can resurrect our health or a dead marriage or an empty bank account or infuse new life into our career.

“If you love Me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:15-16, 18)

With God’s Spirit in our lives and Christ as our Master, we can master our situations. We are no longer relying on our own power to hold all the strings of our lives together.

God is faithful. We can rest assured – no matter what we’re facing today – He is with us and will carry us through to the other side.

Lord, please help us to let go and let You resurrect us with Your healing, consoling, restoring and life-changing power! Holy Spirit, our Comforter, fill us to overflowing with your mighty power! In Jesus’ mighty name we pray…..AMEN!