My son and I stand at the curbside check-in outside of the airport. I stifle my tears as this lanky boy-man reaches down to give me a hug. I kiss him and feel his stubbly cheek press against mine, and feel as if I am in a time warp. It seems only a short while ago I fretted over a chubby boy with baby-soft cheeks who was timid, afraid of new situations, never wanting to leave my side, whose report cards said things like, “needs to work on becoming more independent.” Now he is flying back to college after being home for spring break – confident in finding his way around airports, taking taxis, and at home in his new city and his school. Although his laundry skills are still lacking, my son is becoming quite responsible. Of course, all of this is normal for a young man his age, but WHEN did the transformation take place? I worried about this boy in his early years—doubting—wondering if he would ever grow to be self-assured and independent. But God had his hand on my boy and was working in him the entire time. I like to refer to this work of God as quiet resurrection power.
I work in a church where I have a close-up view of both the pain and joys experienced by many. I see the raw sorrow and tragic-stricken faces when my fellow parishioners experience the death of a family member, the illness of loved one, or other tragedies that seem too heavy to bear. I trust in God, but sometimes it is hard to believe that such heartbreak will be lifted. Yet God is faithful, and in His time, I am privileged to see grief lines turn to laugh lines, abundance replacing emptiness, strength sprouting from sorrow. Because God has been at work transforming the dark times. Quiet resurrection power.
As I write these words, I am looking out of my window at dogwoods, azaleas, tulips, columbine, and more. I have very little to do with their faithful blooming each spring – but God has been busy filling my yard with His abundance.
Quiet resurrection power. These words came to me this past Easter morning as I was reading my Bible. It is curious to me that the most powerful event in the history of the universe occurred quietly. I often wonder what happened in the tomb of Jesus after his death and before he rose. If I were to write the script, I would have had the entire tomb explode, with flashes of lightening and loud shouts from heaven. But God’s strength often works gently and in the realm of the unseen. From the little scripture tells us, all seemed calm and orderly in that tomb. Jesus’s grave clothes were intact and neatly folded, as he silently laid aside death forever. The tomb remained undamaged, except for the large stone being rolled away. Angels were dispatched to tell those who were mourning about the Good News.
Quiet resurrection power. God is busy working even when hope seems absent and we feel defeated. Remember, He loves you and has His hand on you. Trust that He will work His quiet resurrection power in you and your loved ones.
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11
holymeetsordinary 