Resurrection – What’s Still Dead In Your Life?

In this resurrection season, when we should be celebrating what Jesus did for us on the cross, I found myself wondering how much true celebrating was actually happening in our churches since we have allowed the resurrection season to be about eggs, candy and bunnies!

Then as I sat in our Sunday morning church service on Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Rochelle said something that hit home for me as she touched on the true meaning of this season. She asked us to look inside ourselves to see if we had any dead things that need to be resurrected. Things like goals, dreams, hopes, etc.  That, in a nutshell, describes the true meaning of the season! I loved it. During this resurrection time of the year, there is no better time to honor Jesus as we remember what Jesus (via his resurrection) was willing to lay down His earthly life for; for us to live a “dream come true” life! Let’s check out John 10:10 (amp). The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Jesus proved Himself to be the good shepherd because He did exactly what He came to earth to do.  You too have come to earth on an assignment from God, so why have we let Satan steal and kill our goals, dreams and our purpose? What’s still dead in your life? Can you resurrect them? What would change in your life once you do? Spend some time thinking about that one for a while (smile)! Resurrection is sounding real good to you now, isn’t it?

Each year during the resurrection season, we are given another opportunity to breathe new life back into those things we have allowed to die. So we have to make sure we do not blow this chance.  With all of that being said, how do we bring something back from the dead?

1. The first thing we have to do is to take a hard, honest look at ourselves – answering the question, what did I let die that I once really wanted to do or be? Write all of those things down on paper. Nothing is too big or too small.  God gave us this instruction in Habakkuk 2:2 And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by (amp).  Easy right?  Lets move on!

2. Next be honest about the reasons you’ve allowed them to die. What was really going on with you at that time?

Let’s take a look at some of the major things that trip us up.

SIN – we still want to do our own thing. When we hold onto our sinful habits, mindsets and actions, we give Satan access to our lives and the lives of everyone we love. It gives him something to hold over our heads – John 14:30 (nkjv) –  I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

IGNORANCE– Look around, look around, we all know or have seen or heard of someone who has done something stupid and we’ve thought that they should have known better. But, if we are telling the truth about ourselves, we have all done something that we later admitted was dumb and stupid.  All we ever have to do is ask God and be willing to do what He tells us to do.  Hosea 4:6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. (amp)

UNBELIEF – This is a very serious thing. The bible calls this sin in Hebrews 3:12 – Beware then of your own hearts, dear brothers, lest you find that they, too, are evil and unbelieving and are leading you away from the living God (tlb).. Unbelief condemns you before you ever get started – Romans 14:23 –  But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful] (amp).  You do not have to agree with God, but we can all agree that God is smarter than us, so it’s in our best interest to defer to God.

FEAR – This is one of Satan’s most effective weapons against us.  Mainly because we don’t see ourselves through God’s eyes – as the powerful creations that He made. But we see ourselves through Satan’s eyes with many weaknesses, faults and imperfections. This allows Satan to interject fear, which paralyzes us; freezing us where we stand. And many years later, you are still in the same place. Look at what God says about fear, 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. We have to start believing what God says about us!

PRAYLESSNESS – I’m not talking about the religious, rigid, ritualistic monologue full of vain babbling prayer. I’m talking about honest conversation between you and God. It’s us taking time out of our day to spend time with God discussing His word. It’s telling Him the truth about what’s going on with us in order to get direction and input on what God has put you on this earth to do and do well.  Ephesians 6:13-18 –  Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out (msg).

3. Now take all the info that you’ve gathered from the above steps (this should be enough to get your started) and go to God with them. To help you out, treat your time with God like it’s a doctor’s appointment.  Set up a specific time with God (keep the appointment no matter what may come up) and lay it all on Him!  There is nothing about you that is a surprise to God. He’s a big boy and can handle you and ALL your stuff. Keep meeting with God to get a plan of action. Write the plan down and then “work the plan”.  Satan will try to stop you, so no matter what comes – stick with it.  As you and God continue to work together, you will see resurrection in ALL of the things you thought was dead. God is so awesome and so cool that He will even throw in bonuses – He will bless you with things you may have forgotten you even wanted!  God is amazing and HE will help you resurrect everything you desire! If you can dream it, God can bring it to pass!

This is your time! This is your season! It’s your turn for Resurrection!