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Here lies the secret of boldness. Not found in our own strength but in his steadfast love. This is the truth and promise that makes us bold, to take risks for Christ Jesus, to overcome insecurity, to fight temptation, to stand up for what is right, to wait patiently in the face of suffering, to love with our whole hearts. It is the assurance of his love for us in the present brokenness.

How do Christians grow? How does change happen? And if Christians are those who have been accepted by God once and for all because of what Jesus has done, then why bother?

This Easter I want you to see how this little word “even” opens up a world of hope— even for you—no matter your sins, your circumstances, or what is happening in the world. 

Most of us have written something, torn it up, or pressed the delete key, and started afresh. We’ve stuck at it until the article, blog or chapter has polished up to a shine. Ernest Hemingway memorably said, “The only kind of writing is rewriting.” For the Christian author, this involves prayer; it involves patience; it involves listening to critics. Maybe it means raising our boredom thresholds!

This is your Saviour. This is your King. For the Son of God has gone forth to war to fight for you, to win you back, and to spill his blood to redeem you forever from sin and death. This is the consolation of the world. The greatest comfort in life and death. And forever after. 

Wonderfully, when we write from Christ, about Christ, and for Christ, marvelling at and sharing the glorious salvation he is working in such wretches as I surely am, then we are worshipping in Spirit and truth. It might even bless those who read it as well.

The taking of a blank page and filling it with alphabetic script that has meaning that can move heart and will is nothing short of marvellous.

“O storm-tossed and not comforted” your God comes. Suddenly, and all at once. Your God comes himself to comfort you. Again and again. He has not forgotten, nor has he forsaken. He has come to be your ever-present and everlasting comfort.  So, step out of the bitter winds, and into the fires of his love. Come, feel the glow. Come collapse in his strong, everlasting arms. For a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick, he will never snuff out. 

We have heard someone tell us good new of joy and peace. We have come to know Jesus the Shepherd King. We tell others what we have seen and heard and know. We join with angels and all the redeemed in singing Glory to God.

Whether our darkness comes from relational breakdown, grief, loneliness, health challenges, the guilt of sins committed, the shame of sins experienced, global trends or deep personal struggle, we must know that our God is a God of hope.