If Easter was a color, I imagine it would be a regal shade of lavender. If it were a scent, it would smell pure, like fresh cotton sheets hanging on a clothesline, being blown back and forth by a breeze. In song, Easter would be Kari Jobe’s hit single “Forever” and in scene, I cannot help but think of a sunrise and the empty tomb.
Celebrating Christ’s resurrection each year, for me, has always been a time of reflection and recommitment in my life to the Lord. It is epitome of why Jesus exists and why He to took on human form to call us, His children, His own. With every Easter that has passed, I have felt God press upon my heart and speak into it. This year has been no different, and His message to me has been anything but complex. This year I feel Him calling me to pray more habitually for others and to be enthralled by the joys He has given me.
Is it possible to be a selfish in prayer? Since the start of the New Year, I have walked through a few tiresome trials and through them, my prayer walk has truly bloomed. Yet, I want to stretch out my roots and dig deeper. I desire for the needs of others to fall upon my heart more frequently. I want to call out to the Lord on behalf of those around me. Please do not mistake me, I do not regret any of the prayers I have prayed in regards to my own wellbeing. God has been faithful in listening and drying my tears. I have witnessed the harvest of His blessings pour upon me and I am praising Him for it. Although, it was not just myself alone who was praying for these blessings of vision and healing in my life, but many others as well. I am so thankful for this, however, I feel like it is now my time to contribute and lift up my friends and family.
“Comfort, comfort, my people’ says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned.” –Isaiah 40:1-2
Prayer brings comfort and how it enfolds in enigmatic. As I write this I am unaware at how this verse and my words might address you, but my hope is that you will see me, your friend, as a valuable outlet in sharing your burdens. Only three people have reached out to me thus far and asked for specific prayer in their lives. Please know how willing I am to pray over you or any situation you are confronting. Feel free to contact me, I will listen.
“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ.”- 1 Corinthians 9:22
Hearing the Holy Spirit speak to me brings joy in its fullest form. I should probably elaborate that when I share about how God “speaks to me” it is never through an audible voice. Putting it simply, I will often feel encouraged to act or to not act. Sometimes will have unexpected ideas that pop into my brain that I know are crazy out of nowhere, but are not from anyone else but Jesus. When moments like this occur, I feel an overwhelming presence of Christ around me, as if I, His small servant, have been summoned. I find serious happiness in the fact the One who filled the seas wants to speak with me. What is even more amazing is that it is not just me He wants to communicate with, but all of you. When we, as followers of Christ begin this open this divine invitation from God, He stirs vibrant joy into our lives.
A new door opened up for me two weeks ago when I started substitute teaching in the local school district. Though I was a bit nervous in the beginning, I soon remembered why I was at first an education major my freshman year of college. Classrooms, noisy students, and dry eraser markers make my heart sing. God is motivating me to possibly alter some of my future career plans. JOY!
Two days ago, my husband, Chris, and I planted a small garden in our backyard. Naturally, my thumb is not green and I have not always been a fan of playing in the dirt. Yet, every time I look out the window into my backyard, I feel so elated. It is a project we are tending to together, as well as eagerly anticipating the fresh veggies to come. JOY!
Yesterday I went to the Naval Hospital to be tested for strep throat. Though my scratchy voice is fading, I tested negative. Just an old-fashioned cold has me down. JOY!
This morning, Chris, left our house at 5am to go to work. Three hours later, he called me and informed me he was on his way home, this early release was unexpected. JOY! This is our first Easter together as husband and wife and I was truly hoping we would have been able to attend an Easter service together, which we did! No, it was not a true Sunday morning service, but praise be to the churches who are willing to work around odd military hours. JOY!
Every day I am awed by the words and ideas being sown into my life. I am soaking up advice from Annie Downs about being brave and still adding aspiring worship songs to my Spotify playlist. My calendar is filling up with flights and party plans as I am looking forwards to reuniting with my friends and family! I love being married, living in Florida, and watching God cover my world in glitter. When the storms do come I want to spot the clusters of joy filled sparkles, I will be searching for them. I choose to trust in Him. His JOY is scattered everywhere!
“Notice that it says, ‘he ascended’. This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.”-Ephesians 4:9.
My words are not being shared to merely boast about my emotions, but are purposely written to point to Jesus. He is risen and He is at work doing so much good for those He adores. Which of course is you, His beloved. He came to die and because He gave His life we can live. We, His children, are completely underserving, but He designed us to be complete in Him, to find pure joy in His love. I believe “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong explains it best:
You didn’t want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now
If Easter were a feeling it would be oh so simple overflowing joy! Enjoy your weekend celebrating our King’s resurrection. He loves you more than you know.
-Kohlie
kohliebrowning.com 