A sunrise brings in new beginnings, a new day. We may not know what is up ahead, but we know God gives us new mercies every morning (Lamentations 3: 22-23). Each day we have the opportunity to appreciate being alive. Out of “…his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2: 4-5, NIV).
We were dead in our sins, and brought to life; from death to life, because of Jesus alone. Jesus explained that He is the only way, He said, “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV). God knew that we could not save ourselves. Because of Jesus victory on the cross, and as we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we are saved and have life. We are also raised up. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2: 6-7, NIV).
It is beautiful to read in the Bible of the many times when Jesus healed people. There are too many to note all of them here. An example was when a paralyzed man was carried by four men to Jesus (Mark 2:1–12). There was such a crowd around the house that Jesus was in, so they removed a part of the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus through an opening. Jesus saw their faith, and then said to the paralyzed man that his sins are forgiven (Mark 2:5). Jesus then told him to, “…rise, pick up your bed, and go home” (Mark 2:11, ESV). The man then “…rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God…” (Mark 2:12, ESV).
Jesus also said to a young girl to arise. She had been sick and sadly passed away, but Jesus brought her back to life. In Mark 5:41-42 we read that Jesus took her by the hand and “…said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement” (ESV). Our miracle-working God is absolutely amazing! This reminds me of when Jesus raised Lazarus, after he had been dead for four days (John 11:39-44). Jesus had said to Martha that her brother will rise again (John 11:23), and also “…said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” (John 11:25, ESV). Jesus is indeed the resurrection and the life. This is so important for us. It is because of Jesus that we can have eternal life with God, as we accept Jesus as our Saviour. We can also have an abundant life now, because of Jesus.
Jesus came to “…bring good news to the poor…”, “…bind up the brokenhearted” and “…to proclaim liberty to the captives…” (Isaiah 61:1, ESV). Jesus conquered sin and death for us. He died and then He rose, He was resurrected. Jesus is alive, and we are alive.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2, ESV).
There is hope even in those situations that seem dead. I am in a work situation that feels as if no matter where I turn there are impenetrable “walls” blocking any progress. The situation seems hopeless, and it has unfortunately been that way for a few years, after trying again and again to see some progress. I have to remind myself to keep going and believe that God can do miracles, and bring life to this dead situation, in His mercy and grace. There could be areas in your life that seem hopeless. Possibly have been that way for years, even though you have been trying to do what you can for breakthrough. I encourage you, and myself, that God can bring life and hope. God knows the best timing according to His purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
The Holy Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6). When we receive Jesus as our Saviour, the Holy Spirit dwells in us; it is true that if “…the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11, ESV). We are empowered by the Holy Spirit, and we allow Him to lead us, setting our minds on God. “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6, ESV).
Are we allowing God to heal us, set us free, and awaken us? Our beautiful God has so much compassion for us, we can reach out to Him. We can be aware that there is a way to walk wisely, that “…when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,” (Ephesians 5:13-15, ESV).
We can turn to God, Who wants to lift us up. I have been reminded of God’s love, mercy and grace, when I felt Him impress on my heart the other day, that there are often times when the only way people will be able to rise up is if they receive healing. I am not only talking about physical healing, but based on how the world is, I am sure there are people who need all types of healing. It is okay to admit that you have been hurt, in need of healing. There are a lot of people in the world who are hurting, and their way of coping seems to be to lash out at others. This world is a harsh place at times. This leaves people wounded, and needing healing, before they can rise again. I do not want my heart to be hardened. I do not want to miss out on what God has for me. God has an abundant life planned for each of us (John 10:10). Let us ask God for healing, and we can be excited for how we will rise.
God can do more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20), also bringing in the new (Isaiah 43:19). We can start over. Jesus came and conquered death, for you, and each of us. As we receive Jesus as our Saviour, we become children of God (John 1:12). You are so valuable to Him just as you are right now, just because He created you and He loves you. You are precious to God, and dearly loved (Isaiah 43:4). As a child of God, you are royalty. God also has a unique plan for you (Psalm 139:16), which only you can fulfil. You are such an important part of God’s family, His church. It is exciting to see the church being healed and rising up. The early church had great impact for the kingdom of God. An example was when our brother in Christ, Peter, who had witnessed many of Jesus’ miracles, was available to be used by God to restore Dorcas to life (Acts 9:36-43). We also are ordinary people empowered by God, walking in the authority Jesus has given us, and accomplishing what God has planned for us to do now, for God’s glory. We can live now fully awake, living the life God has for us now. We thank God for our healing, and we rise up, alive with Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
All glory and praise to You! All-powerful God. You are a miracle-working God; nothing is impossible for You. Thank-You for Who You are, and all You have done.
Thank-You for Your amazing love, grace and mercy. I confess my sins; I need a Saviour. Thank-You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to earth to save us. We are made alive with Christ, and raised up. We can be healed, set free and restored. Thank-You God that You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).
I ask for You to please reveal to me what areas in my life that I need healing, and ask for You to heal me. For those situations that seem hopeless, You can do more than I can imagine, and are more than able to help. I thank-You that You love me and trust that You will help me to see myself and the situations the way that You do. Thank-You for reviving me, and awakening me to the beautiful plans You have specially for me; be glorified in my life.
In Jesus name, Amen.