As we come together reflecting on Easter weekend, a time that holds significant meaning for many of us, let’s remember the story of Jesus Christ. We’ve just passed through Good Friday and embraced the promise of Resurrection Sunday, and also Easter Monday where we witnessed the passing of the Pope. God is amazing. Jesus’s journey reflects your spiritual rebirth and renewal as well as saves your soul from death and the grave.
Tonight, I focus on a saying that I hold dear: “The Flesh is a Mess.” This profound statement comes from Elder Taylor, my mentor and leader of the 6:00 AM prayer sessions at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. Elder Taylor always reminded us that our spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, a truth grounding in the sayings of Jesus in Matthew 26:41, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”.
As we pray and reflect, let’s think about how often our flesh, or earthly desires, can lead us astray. We’re all familiar with that struggle, right? But through prayer, meditation, and the embrace of the Holy Spirit, we can rise above these challenges. Imagine the power that comes when we strengthen our spirit through prayer and reading the Bible, enabling us to conquer temptation and lead a life more reflective of Christ’s teachings.
Easter is about celebrating Jesus’s sacrifice and the miracle of his resurrection, a manifestation of God’s tremendous love for us. As we navigate this world, we recognize that we’re just passing through. This world isn’t our final home, but a place where we can make a difference, inspired by Jesus’s life and sacrifice.
I’ve written a song called “Passing Through,” which captures this transient journey of ours, a reminder that we are here to spread love and light. Picture Jesus walking this earth, teaching us through his actions and ultimate sacrifice how to overcome the weaknesses of our flesh. When you say, “Lord Jesus, I believe in you,” with conviction, you’re embracing that incredible journey of faith and God’s love.
If you feel weighed down by the burdens of this world, know that these tough times are strengthening your faith. God never gives us more than we can handle. Embrace this challenge with prayer and faith, trusting that you will emerge stronger. Remember, the enemy aims to wear us down, but our faith in God is our greatest weapon.
In these reflections, we remind ourselves that having the faith of a child is a must to overcome the doubt of our world (Matthew 18:3). So, let’s strengthen our spirits together through prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and uplift us.
May this Easter season remind you to love God, love yourself, and love people. Join in the renewal process that we celebrated with Jesus’ resurrection and hold onto that hope every single day. In this moment, and always, know that you are loved and you are never alone. Amen.
God bless, Shirah Chante, Relationship Artist
