Today is Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday... the day Jesus celebrated Passover with the deciples in what we now refer to the Last Supper. Seven years ago I was baptized on Maundy Thursday (the date itself I can’t remember as Easter changes with the Jewish calendar) and so tonight I was reflecting back on my faith and growth as a Christian.
For my friends that knew me growing up and even those that knew me in college you may have assumed that I’ve been a Christian for more than just the past seven years but that’s not the case. It wasn’t just a facade though, I truly was seeking God but it wasn’t until the summer I was 20 that I surrendered control of my life. I’d love to say that I’ve been the perfect Christian since then but like everyone I’ve fallen way short of the mark but each time I try to pick myself up and start again.
As undeserving as I am God has blessed my life. Even though there’s been pain and sorrows this year God has still brought blessings and I feel I must praise Him for that.
This year as I think about Easter I have a different understanding of the sacrifice that God made when Jesus died on the cross and realize that I can’t even begin to understand His love for us.
Jesus left his Father & heavenly kingdom to come to earth and live the lowly life of a carpenter. Levi left earth to spend eternity in heaven and knew only love in this life.
Jesus suffered and was tourchered before death; nothing indicated anything but a sudden death for Levi.
Jesus asked God to take this cup of suffering from him, if it was his Father’s will. Tommy and I prayed a similar prayer after we left the doctor’s office and before Levi was delivered- we know God can preform miracles as He did with Lazarus but wanted His will- not ours and this suffering was not taken from us.
Before I’ve always thought about Easter from the perspective of what Jesus did for us and have always been amazed at his love for us but this year I’ve thought about it from the perspective of a parent. God has not put me through any trials that he has not endured and I know that He is my strength. These past two months I’ve found how strong I really am but I know it’s not my own strength. It’s the result of many prayers lifted up for us and a Father who loves us so much that he was willing to let his own Son suffer on our behalf.
Have I used the last seven years to glorify God? At times yes but at times I’ve felt led to do more and chickened out. What will the next seven years bring? I don’t know but I pray that I’ll have the strength to follow where God leads me.
God bless you this Easter!!
-rebekah
For my friends that knew me growing up and even those that knew me in college you may have assumed that I’ve been a Christian for more than just the past seven years but that’s not the case. It wasn’t just a facade though, I truly was seeking God but it wasn’t until the summer I was 20 that I surrendered control of my life. I’d love to say that I’ve been the perfect Christian since then but like everyone I’ve fallen way short of the mark but each time I try to pick myself up and start again.
As undeserving as I am God has blessed my life. Even though there’s been pain and sorrows this year God has still brought blessings and I feel I must praise Him for that.
This year as I think about Easter I have a different understanding of the sacrifice that God made when Jesus died on the cross and realize that I can’t even begin to understand His love for us.
Jesus left his Father & heavenly kingdom to come to earth and live the lowly life of a carpenter. Levi left earth to spend eternity in heaven and knew only love in this life.
Jesus suffered and was tourchered before death; nothing indicated anything but a sudden death for Levi.
Jesus asked God to take this cup of suffering from him, if it was his Father’s will. Tommy and I prayed a similar prayer after we left the doctor’s office and before Levi was delivered- we know God can preform miracles as He did with Lazarus but wanted His will- not ours and this suffering was not taken from us.
Before I’ve always thought about Easter from the perspective of what Jesus did for us and have always been amazed at his love for us but this year I’ve thought about it from the perspective of a parent. God has not put me through any trials that he has not endured and I know that He is my strength. These past two months I’ve found how strong I really am but I know it’s not my own strength. It’s the result of many prayers lifted up for us and a Father who loves us so much that he was willing to let his own Son suffer on our behalf.
Have I used the last seven years to glorify God? At times yes but at times I’ve felt led to do more and chickened out. What will the next seven years bring? I don’t know but I pray that I’ll have the strength to follow where God leads me.
God bless you this Easter!!
-rebekah
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