Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged April 23, 2022
April 15, 2022
What was I thinking? While friends at church stuffed Easter eggs with candy, I had stuffed sorrow in my heart.
The loss of my youngest son had me living in the Friday of heartache. The day of darkness. The time similar to the Friday when Jesus was put on the cross, endured horrific pain and shed His blood.
But then something happened, something changed. Something surged, miraculously and supernaturally. Jesus didn’t stay on the cross; He rose in full glory, full triumph displaying sweet victory.
So, crazy gal that I am, why would I dismiss this victory and stay on the Friday of pain?
Jesus washed all the grief with the blood He shed on that cross. He cursed sorrow, rebuked pain and declared it all finished.
That’s why our self-pity and heartache have to also finish. It ends. And thus, we welcome the freedom to begin relishing in his glorious victory.
Time to celebrate.
The resurrection of hope has arrived. And with the rebirth of new joy, comes a new beginning—our own, personal Easter Sunday.
We then put on the new outfit of healing, of freedom and renewed gusto. We get busy creating a new joy-filled life.
Never looking back, we focus on the road ahead, to the message our life would give and to the legacy we leave behind.
When the day comes and our chair is empty at the dinner table, what will our family say about our life? While they scoop up a second helping of mashed potatoes or more slices of ham, will they remember the way we dreaded our Calvary or will they recall how we lived our Easters?
How about you?
Have you reached your own Easter of triumph for others to see? Whether we display sorrow or serenity, we’re subtly creating a legacy, weaving memories and painting strokes on our own portrait. The one our family will hang on the wall of their hearts.
And for the Easters to come, the portrait will showcase the life we lived, the values we held and the conviction that danced in our heart when we answered these questions:
- Did we sink under the weight of our cross?
- Did we keep moving with the strength of hope?
- Did we relish on our own Easter of joy?
- Did we choose to see life beyond circumstances?
- Did we look for tomorrow with passion, or did we sink into today’s trials?
No matter what the answer, there is no cross of pain that can hold us down. No suffering that can keep us back because Jesus is alive, declaring He overcame all.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Let’s Pray
Father, I thank you for the triumph. And I pray your everlasting love nourishes my desires, goals and dreams. I ask for wisdom to leave a legacy that honors you, resonates with my children’s children, and reflects my obedience to your precepts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What legacy is your life preparing today?
Janet
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I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.
Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.
CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.
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Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
Old Things R New 
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