Rev. Robert Fleischmann, National Director, Christian Life Resources

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We often experience what might be called “event despair.” Something happens unexpectedly in our lives, and it catches us unprepared. It could be a sudden death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the devastation of disease, the positive pregnancy test, or the troubled pregnancy of a distressed unborn child. Such events are seen as catastrophic for their disruptive nature. Unplanned pregnancies, sicknesses, job losses, and deaths spell disaster except for one overriding truth: dead people come back to life!

The resurrection story is the culmination of God’s plan for us. As we long for the perfect pregnancy coming at the perfect time, or while we work at the perfect job enjoying perfect health, we are really longing for the resurrection and all that it means. The resurrection is central to everything going on in our lives. Paul wrote:

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:17–19)

When Jesus calmed the turbulent waters of the Sea of Galilee, it was an historical event – as well as a metaphor for our lives. Tossed and turned by the deficiencies of life in this imperfect world, we certainly could be plunged into despair. But it is the voice of the Master who commands, “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:35-41).

Our longing for better things is evidence of how completely the resurrection anchors us in turbulent times. C.S. Lewis once said, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world” (Mere Christianity).

In the resurrection we find solace in our mourning, in our uncertainty, and in our troubles. Our longing for escape finds its hope in the resurrection of Christ. It is God’s approval upon the redemptive work of his Son. It is the assurance that as he was raised from the dead, so shall we and all how have “fallen asleep in him” be raised to life eternal.

At Christian Life Resources and New Beginnings – A Home for Mothers, we tether everything to the resurrection hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Our faith is not futile. “He is not here. He is risen.” And we shall too!