Back to Life by Nicole Webb

Scripture Reference:

Luke 24:5-6

5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen!”

Another Resurrection Sunday is here, and while I am still churched out, this year a new perspective on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is giving me new meaning in its metaphorical and literal interpretations–a new perspective that I hope to not only share, but empower you to bring life back into your own life.

This year’s Easter drama at my church was called, “The Dream.” It was told from the perspective of forgotten dreams–our forgotten dreams. And one by one, one excuse after the next, these dreams were forgotten about–because of doubt, prejudice, age, insecurity, appearance, injuries, and so many other excuses. And at some point some of these forgotten dreams were left to die along with the dreamer.

Midway through the show, my pastor began a coinciding sermon on how often we let our dreams die–the dreams GOD gave us and placed on our hearts for us to fulfill. And that part alone was worth me writing some notes down and all my “Amens” and “Hallelus,” but it was the second part that got ALLLLL my tears and quickens. After talking about our forgotten dreams, my pastor started talking about the dreams GOD didn’t give us that we often have to kill and let die out of obedience to GOD’s good and perfect will.

And first, as always when the Holy Spirit convicts me, I got an attitude quick...because who ever wants their life read to filth in church?!

But that’s when it hit me...

Obedience will cost you something.

Your surrender will cost you something.

When you choose to pick up your cross and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24-26), it will cost you something–even your dreams.

Most recently, a dream of mine had to die.

I was in a happy relationship for a little close to a year before things started to fall apart...and it seemed out of nowhere. And when things fell apart...OH, THERE WAS GLASS EVERYWHERE, BELOVED! Eventually, I got to a point where I had to make a decision. And I could feel the Holy Spirit leading me into a direction that did not feel comfortable and that to be honest with you, I did not want to be the one to present the option of breaking up...but it was needed.

And soon after, that relationship ended.

As expected, I was devastated.

And devastated not just because that relationship ended, but because the dreams that were fostered and nurtured in that relationship did, too. From future vacation plans to future wedding plans, kid names, business plans, creative plans, et cetera, all of those dreams we both spent day in and day out thinking about and shaping and imaging together now DEAD.

What I wanted for my life, for my future, and of my future was now just a perfect picture of the past...and I felt robbed.

If I’m being honest, I did question why GOD would let this happen? How could a GOD so caring and loving ask me to give up something that I wanted so bad and fought so hard for?

Because He was asking me to trust Him.

Because He was asking me to be obedient.

Because He was asking me to exchange something of mine for His...and that meant I had sacrifice my plan for His.

And quite frankly, that isn’t the easiest task in world.

But it what’s required of us.

Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Plain and simple–Paul reminds us here in this text that in order to really follow Christ, our wants and desires–our “plans”–have to die. We, as believers, have to constantly kill our flesh and die to Christ...if we really want to reach a full submission of self and acceptance of GOD’s good and perfect plan for us.

In this life, a physical death is inevitable. We will be born and then we will die. And in this Christian walk, we are spiritually awakened into the consciousness and awareness of Christ and his purpose for reconciliation (the act of being born again), to then be required to experience a spiritual death–though at times presented as a choice through free will.

And death–whether physical or spiritual–will always cause pain.

I won’t sit here and write this negating the fact that I cried just last week about a relationship that has been over for about two months now (ego wise for me...that’s A LOT. I’m a thug! I need to be over this already).

You will experience pain and sorrow in this life–GOD never promised that we wouldn’t, especially as believers. But take heart and have faith, for GOD has overcome the world (John 16:33).

And even in our pain, know that GOD is working in your favor–working behind the scenes and working it out for your good (Romans 8:28).

So know that even in death, GOD can raise anything–even us–back to life. And when He requires something in us or of us to die, He’s already bringing life in a new way–you just have to have patience and faith to see it through.

Certain dreams and desires will have to die as you continue your walk as a Christ follower, but if GOD could sacrifice His son all for the cause of being reconciled and in relationship with you, the dreams and desires He’s asking you to sacrifice do not compare to that of His own.