Death, resurrection and the hope of our faith
A couple of weeks ago, I was in conversation with a few friends when they asked me, “How does your faith impact your life?” It was a deep question, but the answer sprung out of my heart quickly:
“My faith is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus. Life is full of deaths and resurrections – night to day, sadness to joy, disappointment to fulfillment. I know that no matter how dark or difficult a moment or day or season might be, Jesus is using it to restore, renew, and redeem me. I can trust that death is followed by resurrection.”
We went on to have a whole conversation about suffering, and I didn’t think too much of the conversation until reading this scripture this morning:
But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Corinthians 4:7-11, emphasis mine)
How consoling it is to know that this is not a new experience, that St. Paul writes about it in his second letter to the Corinthians. We all experience suffering. We all endure disappointment and hurt. But we also believe that the darkness is always redeemed – because Jesus paved the way. His suffering, His death, and His resurrection are the blueprint for our own spiritual journey.
I love how St. Paul continues:
Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
I don’t know what kind of season you are in right now, but I do know that God is working in it. I pray for your renewal, and for your hope. As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, nothing is wasted. He is in it all. Please pray for me, as I’m praying for you – that we might hold fast to these promises of Christ and run with endurance, hope, and joy towards the abundant life He desires for us.
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving right now:
Fr. Jean D’Elbée’s I Believe in Love
… is WRECKING me. It’s so, so good. If you’re looking to grow in confidence in the Lord, to embrace His love more fully and to live in joyful abandonment, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Leaving my Christmas Decor Up
I’ve been in and out of New York so much this winter, and coming home to my Christmas decorations is still giving me joy. I’ll take them down… eventually!
Friendship
If you’re in a season where you’re longing for friends, keep praying. I remember living in San Francisco a few years ago and feeling so, so lonely. I prayed and begged God for good friends. As I’ve been walking through a difficult season recently, the fruits of those prayers have overwhelmed me. My friends have been sending care packages, letters, postcards, and flowers and my little heart has been simply covered in love. If someone comes to mind for you who might need prayers, send them a text or order them a cookie. You have no idea how much it can make a difference, and how much it is appreciated. And if you’re in need of friends, please reply to this email and I’ll set you up with people in your city (we send this email all over the place and I’d love to connect you all!)
Prayer Requests
- For a friend who is looking for a house
- For a friend and her husband who lost their newborn last week
- For all those in seasons of death, that they might receive and trust in God’s providence and presence
If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!
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Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.