Jesus Held On, So We Could Let Go

Happy Easter everyone! As I sit here thinking of what to write on such an important day, I’m just filled with gratitude. Faith is a strange thing sometimes. Personally, I feel like I spend so much of my time trying to keep myself together, not fall behind on my responsibilities, and just get through each day. Sometimes these things get the best of me and my attitude, and I forget the meaning behind it all. I forget the essence of who I am (a child of God) and the reason for my existence (to know Him and make Him known).

And in the past, I would beat myself up over this. I would vow to make up for my imperfect faith journey by praying more, reading more, and being more for Him. But this year, I have a different perspective. This week as I pondered Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the world and thought about the agonizing physical and emotional pain He endured, the weight of what Christ did struck a chord in my heart. The Easter story isn’t just any other Bible story, it’s my story. And it’s yours too.

When Jesus was up on the cross, He had me in mind. He knew the sins I would commit, He knew the doubts that would fill my mind, and He knew that I, like Judas, would betray Him time and time again. Yet, He stayed put because He loved me enough to show that no amount of darkness, not even the deepest darkness of death itself, could outweigh His love for me. And the same is true for you.

Our gift of grace was finalized before we were even born. We already have His complete favor and love. There was nothing you or I could do to earn it. We will never be able to deserve it.

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

John 19:30

If you feel like your sin runs deep and like your life's a bit chaotic, you’re not wrong, and you’re not alone. But that’s also not the point. The point of Resurrection Day is to recognize that Christ is above all sin and above all chaos. Nothing is greater than Him.

Maybe you're confused at how the Easter story could be applicable to your life today. If that's the case, I hope this sentence can simplify things for you.

Jesus held on, so we could let go.

I don’t know what you’ll be facing in the coming weeks. Maybe it’s a crazy busy work schedule or maybe it's boredom, insecurity, relationship issues, loss of friendship, loneliness, fear, spiritual apathy, illness, death- the list could go on and on. But I hope you and I can remember that Jesus is above it all.

No worldly accolade, status symbol, finished devotional, or even hours in prayer could make Him love you any more than He already does.

Absolutely, try your best at whatever these next couple weeks have in store for you, but also walk in freedom knowing that Jesus has already conquered the worst of what could possibly come your way.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for the gift of Easter! Help us to remember that this is the only story that could ever make us truly free. Forgive us for the time we spend wallowing in the world’s problems rather than resting in the reality of Your resurrection. May this yearly reminder of your unmatched power turn into a daily heart posture. Thank you for demonstrating Your great love for us long before we were born.

Amen.

~bailee ❤️