Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Believing in the Risen Christ
John 11:17-28
Vs. 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
 Sometimes we are so consumed with doubt and worry that we often forget about our beliefs. We forget that Jesus is right there beside us while we go through the storms in our life; all we have to do is just believe.
 Believing in the Risen Christ is challenging when you have a doubtful mind. Jesus has power over life and death as well as power to forgive sins. This is because he is the Creator of life. He who is life can surely reinstate it. The beauty of God’s grace and mercy is that whoever believes in Christ, has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or destroy in any way. It is only when we realize his power and just how wonderful his presence is to us that we can fully commit our lives to him.  People often live by the idea that the only way to believe in something is by seeing it in action. So how does one believe in Christ? You technically can’t “see” him and the stories in the bible aren't “seen” by the worldly eyes of today! The truth is that believing in Christ is a choice.
 Martha chose to believe in the risen Christ. She chose to believe in all that Christ could do. Martha's heart was hurting over the loss of her brother but in very next sentence we see that Martha still believes in Christ and the decisions made by his father. (verse 21-22) 
 When we are facing a storm how many of us truly still believe in the will of God? How many of us choose to continue to believe in Christ? Martha's faith is a perfect example of her strength and relationship with Christ. We were not placed in this world to live a comfortable and happy life. Everyday there is temptation and trials that we overcome by believing in Christ. As we wake up today and go on with our daily lives let us remember to chose to believe in Christ who has never/nor will ever forsake us.
 PRAYER
Father God, we thank you for your grace, love and mercy. We ask that as we step out into a world full of sorrow you will be our ever guiding light. We pray that we will continue to place our trust in your hands no matter what the circumstance may be. We ask  that we may remain devoted and faithful to you as you always are to us. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.” - Francis Chan
Lisa Skaria, Staten Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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