The Best Way

-Andrea Haughian

Praise the Lord- He has risen!

This Easter season I have been reflecting on seeing God’s love and kindness towards me. It’s funny how when you purpose yourself to focus on something you begin to see it everywhere! It has really encouraged and reminded me that our God is an intimate God who cares about the details and the mundane all the same.

Most of you know I have been working on a very large mural in the Swift Current Mall. I’ve never done a mural before, so starting with a 50 ft one is a bit daunting! But I am reminded that God will not give us a job that He hasn’t equipped us for. It has been a challenge but also a real opportunity for me to lean into God and His strength and creativity daily.

In the beginning I was unsure of where to even start, the paints and supplies needed, the process —even the thought of climbing scaffolding made me nervous. I can honestly say I've only almost fallen off once or twice —because as an artist I instinctively step back from my work to gain perspective—not recommended when up on scaffolding!  

Before I even started I stood in front of this giant blank wall and I was overwhelmed. So I laid my hand on the wall and I prayed “God, can you show me the easiest way to do this?” God answered me and said “ I won’t show you the easiest way, but I will show you the best way.” and I realized that’s how I often pray, and that’s how Gods answers, by showing me the best way.

The best way helps us to know Him more, to grow in our love and faith, and become the people He has called us to be. The suffering and sacrifice of the cross on Good Friday wasn’t the easy way, but, praise be to God, that resurrection Sunday proves it was the best way —for  you and I, for our restoration!

Titus 3 says, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”  

The good news of the gospel is that we are all born into sin—we are all in need of salvation—but in His love for us God has provided that salvation through Jesus. Jesus came as fully God and fully man. He suffered, died, and was raised from the dead so that, through faith in Him as Lord and Savior, we are made right with God. The most loving act in history was Jesus going to the cross for us.

I heard this definition of love awhile back and it always stuck  with me, it says  “Love is giving a person what they need the most when they deserve it the least at great personal cost.” That’s the heart of the gospel.

Jesus came and gave His life for us who needed it most and deserved it the least and at the highest cost, His life.

So we thank you Father for doing the best thing for us, the most loving thing by sending your son. Jesus, we believe you are the resurrection and life and we celebrate and praise you for the new life you have bought for us!