Ups and Downs…Downs and Ups

The things announced in the past—look—they’ve already happened,

but I’m declaring new things.

Before they even appear,

I tell you about them.

(Isaiah 42:9)

Ups and Downs…Downs and Ups

Good Day Family,

We mark the ending of Holy Week, which marks the dramatic shifts that take place between the “up” of the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday to the ultimate “up” of the Resurrection. The in-between is full of “downs”—profiteers dishonoring God in the temple, betrayal, denial, and abandonment. The Last Supper was surely an “up,” but it was followed by the trial, conviction, and crucifixion…the deepest “downs” imaginable.

The thing about God is that the Lord is with you in the “downs” and moving you toward the “ups.” They were intertwined for Jesus, and they are for us as well. When we experience the challenges that life presents to us, we can hold onto the Holy One who promises resurrection after death, revival after despair, and restoration after destruction. God is with us…and has a plan for our future…with hope.

That’s good news. That’s the gospel. As we mark the end of Holy Week, we can be encouraged that this rough week transitions gloriously into the holy Season of Easter.

In Holy Expectation,

Be well,

Pastor Cheryl

Let us encourage one another. Let us love our neighbor. Let us be the church.