This year God has given me a whole new appreciation for Easter.
I realized how often I still try to live under the old law. I strive; I try to change myself; I attempt to earn approval (from God and from my myself). When things are going well, I feel great. There is a sense of control- that I've got it all together. Yet when I fail, the result is harsh. Condemnation, self- hate, a sense of failure.
Yet praise God for Easter. That because of Christ's death and resurrection I can have a personal relationship with God. My sins are forgiven. Christ is my perfect sacrifice. I now live under the new law. In Christ, there is forgiveness, acceptance, and GRACE. God gives me wisdom in how I can make choices on a daily basis that are for my good. Yet the difference is I am not trying to change myself. I am relying on God's power at work within me. And when I fail the result is so drastically different. There is GRACE. I receive God's grace and I can give it to myself. I simply get back up again and rejoice that God is at work within me. He loves and accepts me in my good and bad. My focus is off from myself and onto Christ Jesus.
Praise God for Easter! Praise God that because of Christ Jesus we are under the new covenant of GRACE. Praise God that we are loved, accepted, and lavished in His grace.
