The Hope of Easter: Finding Clarity in Confusing TimesSample

Day 7: The Resurrection: Hope in New Beginnings

Matthew 28: 1-7 says, Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."

Don’t be afraid! Those are the three words we all need to hear when we are starting something new. Don’t be afraid of moving to a brand new place, starting a new job, or making a new friend. Don’t let your fear stop you from experiencing the wonder of God through a new experience.

Jesus’s resurrection was the ultimate new beginning. Whatever the past held, no matter how gruesome, it was now no longer affecting the future. Jesus defeated death. Both death and sin lost their power that day for those who follow Jesus. One day, we will all die, but we have nothing to fear; we will be united with God in his perfect love because of Jesus.

We cannot let our past decisions dictate our future decisions. We must learn from the old ways but not repeat the old ways because God is calling us to a new purpose. When the winter finally melts, and you feel the spring sun, don’t wish for the frost to come back because you have grown comfortable with the cold. Focus on what new beginnings lie in this new season, and celebrate what is to come!

We want to thank Rachel Reigard for this plan. For more content like this, please visit rachelreigard.com and find rachelreigard on all social media platforms.