Wrapped in a Bow

God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB 1995

To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 KJV

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB 1995

I strategically placed a bright yellow stuffed chick, peanut butter and chocolate eggs, and candy filled, pastel colored plastic eggs in a basket. All surrounded by handfuls of fruit-flavored jelly beans, nestled in neon colored “grass.” Smiling, I stood back to admire the grandkid’s Easter baskets, knowing how excited they will be to tear into the carefully crafted baskets. The only thing missing was a bow.

Real life comes with lots of missing-bow scenarios doesn’t it?

Wouldn’t it be nice if life always came complete with wrapped-in-a-bow endings? But that’s not reality, is it? Even for followers of Jesus Christ, if you’ve lived longer than ten minutes, you understand that no one is exempt from the pain of life. Because of sin, life often comes to us with the somebody-forgot-the-bow disappointments and the “cracked eggs” of childhood challenges, addiction, abuse, regret, rejection, depression, fear, disappointments or (you fill in the blank). Wrapped in a bow, it’s not.

But even in the midst of that reality, our God is so good. So faithful. He uses the cracked eggs of bitter disappointment and regret, or the somebody-forgot-the-bow pain of addiction, despair and hopelessness. Giving us beauty for ashes as He causes all things to work together for our good and His glory. Offering us not just a new beginning, but a new birth. A new life. And this was all made possible by the no-bow-anywhere-in-sight crucifixion of our Lord. The great exchange. Taking on Himself our sin and offering us His righteousness. But just like the Easter basket gift, we must reach out and take the gift offered us.

I would love to tell you, that accepting this gift will wrap every life circumstance in a bow, but we both know that isn’t true. What this gift will provide is eternal life … along with strength, wisdom, soul-deep peace, and authentic hope as you walk through the challenges of real life. And when the time comes for you to breath your last breath here, you will experience your first breath in His Presence. I’m sure He’ll have lots of bows!

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’”

Billy Graham

Lord Jesus, Please give us eyes to see You, even in the no-bow-in-sight situations of real life. Enable us to trust You, even when all around us are cracked-eggs difficulties or I-don’t-understand trials. Thank You for taking our sin and giving us Your Righteousness. We are so thankful, Lord!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

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