Because of Him

On this Easter day, I know that He is risen.

When Christ died on the cross, the time for faith was not over. He faced that week with unwavering resolve, retreating to Gethsemane to suffer for our sins. He endured the crowds of jeering people leading Him to His death, wearing a crown of thorns. He did all that His Father in Heaven asked of Him. He hung on the cross and died for every one of us, and they laid Him in a tomb. Everyone on Earth faced dark days, and the time for faith was not over.

Then, after those dark days, His tomb was discovered empty. Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Salome saw the stone rolled away and an angel there inside. Then the angel spoke the powerful words: "He is risen; He is not here." More faith was required with these words. Mary Magdalene wept for the loss, and He showed Himself unto her. He was glorious, He was perfect, He was risen. She went to share her faith with others.

Now, so very long after, we all seek after that same faith--because our time for faith is not over. In dark days or light I know that He is risen. He is glorious, He is perfect, He is light! Faith requires believing that He is, and then striving to act with that knowledge. I live my life for Him, because of Him, and so that I can make it back to Him. That is my act of faith in my time.

I know that the first Easter morning was the most important day that ever was. Because of Him, because He lives now and forever, we can all overcome death and sin through His atonement. Because of Him, I have a purpose in my life and a light to follow. Because of Him, I can live with my family forever. I have everything because of Him, and I know that He lives. This knowledge makes me so peaceful and happy. I watch for Him to come again with more certainty and excitement than I've ever felt for anything else.

Our time for faith is not over--but because of Him, I live my life with happiness in my purpose :)