Laurie Zuverink shares this article on the website todaydevotional.com. May we never forget the hope we have in Jesus Christ! Watch the news and you see the evil all around us. Watch Jesus and see the Savior and Lord who loves us!

I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 15: 50-58

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

1 Corinthians 15:55

"Life on this earth is not without dark times. We can identify periods in history when evil and darkness seemed to be in control. We can look back on our own lives and recall times of grief, hurt, loneliness, or despair. Or maybe those times are happening right now, and life seems empty of meaning or purpose. Maybe all of life seems like a dark, empty space.

Jesus knows what that's like - and even more. On the cross he suffered the agony of complete separation from God (descending into hell) so that we wouldn't have to - and his body was placed in a tomb till he rose to life again on the third day. Jesus' work of salvation for us would not have been complete if he did not suffer the full punishment of "unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul" on the cross to pay the price for all our sins (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 44). And on Easter he rose in victory over death so that we might share in the power of his resurrection and enjoy new life with God. (See also Luke 23: 42-46.)

Our journey into new life in Christ may take us through times of darkness. Yet, as hard as those times may be, we can be assured that death, loneliness, and despair do not have the final victory; Jesus conquered them. As you walk through valleys of shadow in your life, lean on Jesus, the Savior - who knows you and is walking with you into new life.

God of new life, assure us of your presence, especially when darkness and despair seem all around. In Christ we pray. Amen."

A very blessed Easter to you and your Family!

Pastor Caryn