Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You have probably heard the saying, “There are only two things you can be sure of – death and taxes. Actually that isn't quite true. There are more things we can be sure of -like the changing of the seasons. And, yes, this winter has gone on far too long, but we know eventually spring will arrive. Soon the days will be warmer, the snow will stop flying, the birds will begin singing, the flowers will start budding, and the crops will get planted.

It's just that when we have to wait for something ( like the arrival of spring) longer than we had planned, we can get discouraged and even say things like, “I don't think spring will ever come.”

Well, sometimes, we also feel that way when we have to wait on God. When God calls us to wait for an answer to prayer, we can get discouraged. We might even say things like, “I don't think God is ever going to answer me.”

God understands our tendency to become impatient and discouraged when we are called to wait, so God offers Words of hope and encouragement, beautiful Words like-

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”  (Lamentations 3:25)

This month we celebrate Easter. When Jesus died on the cross, the disciples thought it was all over. They had waited three years for their Lord to turn things around - to free the oppressed and save the lost. And now, all was lost, or so they thought.  The disciples lost hope. It happens to all of us sometimes, and that is why we need to always remember the Good News of Easter morning – sorrow turned to joy, despair turned to hope, death turned to life everlasting.

Always remember :
1) For which reason, because we have righteousness through faith, let us be at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Through whom, in the same way, we have been able by faith to come to this grace in which we now are; and let us have joy in hope of the glory of God. 3) And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; 4) And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope: 5) And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us.   (Romans 5:1-5)

Have a Blessed Easter,

Pastor Karen