Many of us know the story of Easter and what it means. Jesus died on the cross and rose again 3 days later. He was crucified for us. He paid for our sins so we could go to Heaven. It is finished.
This year Easter has brought on a new joy for me. My father is in heaven and there is NO doubt in my mind. I have been waiting to share this testimony and today couldn't be more perfect.
As many of you know, my father passed away January 4th this year. About 2 weeks later, I had plans to go to Atlanta for a Christian conference called Passion. I had the trip planned for many months or otherwise may have cancelled with all that was going on. But figured I needed to go, worship, and be as close to God as I could get. I remember so clearly, as I was packing to go, asking God to just show me that my Dad was in Heaven. I wasn't sure about his beliefs, or if he had accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I just wasn't feeling strong in my faith. To be honest, I had prayed so hard for complete healing when my dad fell ill in the hospital that when he passed away within 2 weeks, I was angry. I thought prayers and also firm faith in my prayers would be what made my dad overcome. But he didn't. So when I asked God to tell me he was in Heaven, I was skeptical that He was listening.
On my 2nd day at the conference, I heard David Crowder sing, "Come as you are". Such a great song. I've heard it 100 times before coming to this show and already knew every word. What I didn't know was that God would use this song, and the Holy Spirit, to reveal why He had to take my father and why He couldn't answer my first prayers for complete healing.
As I sat and listened to the song, and there were lights for the show literally spelling "HEAVEN" in green above, I knew. He is there. With God. It was so clear. Tears just streamed down my face without my even realizing. And when it was over, I thanked God. Isn't it just like Him to always give you more than you ask for just when you need it most?
Here are the words and video from last years conference:
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
There’s hope for the hopeless
And all those who’ve strayed
Come sit at the table
Come taste the grace
There’s rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t cure
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Fall in his arms
Come as you are
There’s joy for the morning
Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
What many may not have known about my dad is that he had a lot of "demons" or "skeletons" in his heart. Truth be told, he never fully got over his divorce with my mom. It was his only real love. After that, everything was just a series of mishaps that he couldn't pick up from and he couldn't give to God while here on Earth. He just wasn't willing. So I now know that God was telling me "Of course your dad is here with me. And this is why I took him, to heal him, completely, as only Heaven can do"
So this is why I celebrate today and will look at Easter in a whole new light. Jesus paved the way so my dad could go to Heaven. I will be there later with him, regardless of any past sins he or I may have had.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16 NIV
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ReplyDeleteMeghan, this is all so true as I sit here reading this with tears flooding my eyes, I knew in my heart that my brother always loved your mom. Plus I talked with one of his friends. I said my brother never got over Lynda and this friend told me he talked about her a lot. Dad, told this person he never stopped loving her. He never got over her, the two of you was his world. When they split he took on the world in a differant way. He was living life as fast as the boats he raced. If he slowed down he would only feel the pain. So he did many things to keep the motor running at full speed. Because full speed to him was like numbing the pain and by only placing a band aid over a never healing wound.
ReplyDeleteI Love You!!
Aunt Diane
Well said Diane... I agree with all you said.. Love you Megs... Aunt Janet
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