What are you rising to meet in life?  Is there a new challenge, a new opportunity or a new perspective? Perhaps you’re not feeling like rising much at all.  Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several others faced this question. Very early, on the third day after Jesus’s death, they came to His tomb.

They arrived prepared to anoint the lifeless body of the Lord. But they came upon the unexpected instead.

So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” (Luke 24:3-7)

This was an update of epic proportions. The news moved them from grief to grappling with the reality that prophesy was fulfilled.

The resurrection was real.  Jesus was alive.  He still is.

What do you do when miracles catch you by surprise or mercy meets you in unimaginable ways?

Well, imagine this.

This same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us who believe. (Ephesians 1:19-20)

His sacrificial death paid for our sins. The power of his resurrection paved the way for ours too. The details of the Easter story are familiar to many.

For the believer the significance grows.

The first Easter morning, the women were overwhelmed by the prospect of encountering the Risen Savior.  I yearn to encounter him too.

When a new day dawns.

In the lives of those around me.

In life’s difficulties and delights.

Because for those who believe in the Lord Jesus, the Risen life is waiting to be lived out. It’s a life brimming with power, grace and truth.

However, we must choose to rise.

Here are a few of my choices:

Read the Scriptures. When I embrace God’s principles or promises, they sweep over me. Expose me. Encourage me. Empower me.

Rise to the truth that sets you free. (John 8:31-32)

Interpret life as an invitation from God. He gives new mercies each morning so we can experience new possibilities in His grace.

Rise to His love and His work in your life. (Ephesians 2:4-8)

Say a prayer. Never underestimate the power of a conversation with God. It can change a life or a situation; but His love for us never changes.

Rise to speak your heart to His heart. (Philippians 4:6)

Encourage someone else. Be an answer to a prayer or spark a reason for someone else to praise God.

Rise to help someone else rise. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Never give up. Silence the voices that tell us we’re unlovable, incapable and insignificant by standing on the promises of God.

Rise above disappointments and the enemy’s lies. (1 Peter 5:7-9)

I’m praying you’re experiencing Christ’s risen power in your life too. And if not, just ask Him by faith. He’s sure to meet you where you are with hope for your heart and joy to the soul!

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:19-20)