As we close out our April series, Risen & Renewed, it’s important to remember that resurrection power isn’t just for a moment—it’s for every season of life. And one of the greatest gifts of the resurrection is this: hope.
Not a temporary, surface-level kind of hope. But a deep, unshakable hope that anchors us, sustains us, and lifts us even when life feels heavy.
Hebrews 10:23 says,
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
Because Jesus rose, every promise of God is yes and amen. We can trust that He will finish what He started.
Hope is born when we trust in the character of God, not just the outcome of our situation. There will be seasons when things don’t make sense, when prayers feel unanswered, and when the future feels unclear. But even then—especially then—we hold on.
Because God is still faithful.
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us:
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Even when life is uncertain, God’s goodness remains constant. His mercy meets us with the sunrise, and His faithfulness never runs out.
When we feel weary or discouraged, the promises of God become our source of strength. We hold on to what He has already spoken over us:
He is with us. (Joshua 1:9)
He is working all things for our good. (Romans 8:28)
He will never leave or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
He is making all things new. (Revelation 21:5)
These promises are not wishful thinking—they are the firm foundation we stand on.
Romans 15:13 says,
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Our hope doesn’t come from circumstances. It comes from knowing who God is and believing what He’s said.
Enduring hope isn’t something we manufacture—it’s something we nurture through daily connection with God. Here are a few ways to hold on to hope when life feels heavy:
Stay rooted in the Word. Remind yourself of God’s promises regularly. Write them down. Memorize them. Speak them out loud.
Pray with expectation. Even when you’re weary, bring your hopes and heartaches before God, trusting that He hears and responds.
Surround yourself with hope-filled voices. Spend time with people who speak faith, truth, and encouragement into your life.
Celebrate small victories. Look for God’s goodness in the everyday, and give thanks for signs of growth, healing, and answered prayer.
Worship through the waiting. Sometimes, worship is the most powerful way to declare hope over your situation.
Reflect on the promises of God that have carried you through difficult seasons.
Write down three scriptures that give you hope and put them somewhere visible.
Ask God to renew your hope in any area where you’ve felt discouraged or uncertain.
Because of the resurrection, our hope is alive. Not shallow, not fleeting—but enduring and eternal.
Even when life doesn’t look like we imagined, even when we can’t see the full picture, we can trust this: God is not finished. His promises still stand. His hope still holds.
Let this be the season where you choose to believe again, trust deeper, and hope harder. He is faithful, and He always will be.
Blessings,
Liz
Something powerful happens when we truly embrace the resurrection—not just as a historical event but as the launching point for how we live. Jesus didn’t just rise so we could be saved and sit still. He rose so we could be His witnesses in a world that desperately needs the hope we carry.
Before He ascended, Jesus gave His disciples a clear and bold calling:
“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always.”
— Matthew 28:19-20
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses...”
— Acts 1:8
This wasn’t a suggestion. It was a commission. And it’s not just for pastors or missionaries—it’s for all of us who have experienced the life-changing power of Christ.
You don’t need a title to be used by God. If you are in Christ, you have a calling. It may not look like standing on a stage or leading a crowd. It may look like showing up consistently for your family. Speaking encouragement over a friend. Living with integrity in your workplace. Or simply being available when someone needs a listening ear.
Purpose isn’t about platform. It’s about obedience.
When we live aware that we’ve been sent—whether to our kitchen table, classroom, community, or beyond—we begin to see every moment as an opportunity to reflect Jesus.
Walking in purpose doesn’t mean we always feel ready. In fact, God often calls us into things that stretch our faith. But we are not walking alone.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
Fear tells us we’re not enough. God says His Spirit within us is more than enough.
If you’ve been hesitant to step into your calling—whether it’s sharing your story, serving in a new way, or simply living out your faith more boldly—remember this: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing.
Obedience opens the door for God to do extraordinary things through ordinary moments.
Walking in purpose doesn’t always look big or loud. Here are a few simple ways to live as His witness:
Share your story. Your testimony of how God has worked in your life is powerful. You never know who needs to hear it.
Live with consistency. Let your actions reflect the love of Christ, especially when no one is watching.
Encourage someone. Speak life. Be intentional with your words. People remember how you made them feel.
Pray for boldness. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you daily and open doors to show God’s love.
Invite others in. Whether it’s to church, a Bible study, or even your dinner table, hospitality can be holy ground.
In my Louisiana Creole roots, community and connection are a way of life. Whether gathered over gumbo or serving in our neighborhoods, our culture has always been about showing up for one another. And when we combine that heart of community with the Gospel, it becomes something sacred.
Ask God to show you where He’s calling you to step out in purpose this week.
Identify one person you can serve, encourage, or share your faith with.
Reflect on what may be holding you back—fear, insecurity, doubt—and surrender it in prayer.
You were never meant to walk through life aimlessly. You were created with purpose, for purpose, by a God who promises to be with you always. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you—and He is more than enough to equip, empower, and embolden you.
So go. Live boldly. Love deeply. Shine brightly. You are a witness to resurrection life.
Let’s walk in purpose together.
Blessings,
Liz
The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a moment in history—it’s the gateway to a transformed life. Easter reminds us that through Christ, we have been given a fresh start, a clean slate, and the invitation to live with a renewed heart and mind.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says,
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!"
This promise isn’t just symbolic. It’s deeply personal. Jesus didn’t rise so we could stay the same. He rose so that we could live renewed—free from the weight of our past, alive in grace, and growing daily in the fullness of God’s love.
Renewal begins with release. Too often, we carry around burdens from yesterday—old mistakes, guilt, shame, or painful labels we've allowed to define us. But the resurrection proclaims something better: those things no longer have the final word.
God says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:26). He is not interested in temporary fixes. He desires complete transformation from the inside out. That transformation begins when we stop clinging to who we were and step into who He is calling us to become.
Let go of what was. Embrace what is. Walk in grace, not guilt.
Spiritual renewal isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily practice. Romans 12:2 urges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world will constantly try to define us, but God invites us to align our thinking with His truth.
Here’s how we can stay rooted in renewal:
Start each day in the Word. Let Scripture remind you who you are and Whose you are.
Pray with intention. Ask God to reshape your desires, your perspective, and your mindset.
Speak life. Replace negative self-talk with God’s promises.
As we create space for God’s truth, our thoughts shift. Our hearts soften. Our lives reflect the hope and freedom of the resurrection.
Spiritual renewal isn’t just about internal change—it impacts how we live every day. When our hearts are renewed, we begin to notice beauty in the ordinary. We give thanks more often. We respond with joy instead of fear. We trust even when we don’t understand.
Here are a few ways to cultivate a renewed heart each day:
Practice gratitude. Write down three things you’re thankful for each morning or night.
Pause and pray throughout your day. Invite God into your thoughts, your work, and your relationships.
Choose joy. Not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful.
Serve others. A renewed heart is generous and outward-focused. Look for small ways to reflect God’s love.
Reflect on an area of your life where you’ve been holding on to something God is asking you to release. Write a prayer surrendering it to Him.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:26, and Romans 12:2. Journal what stands out to you and how it applies to your current season.
Each day, take five minutes to thank God for something new, even if it’s small. Watch how gratitude shifts your perspective.
Through Jesus, you have been given a heart made new. You are not bound by your past, your failures, or your fears. You are a new creation, empowered by the Spirit, and invited into a daily journey of renewal.
This week, choose to walk in that truth. Let go of what was. Step into God’s grace. And live every moment fully aware that He is making all things new—including you.
Blessings,
Liz
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event—it is the foundation of our faith and the source of our daily victory. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence, hope, and purpose. Yet, too often, we live as though we are still bound by fear, doubt, and shame, forgetting the power that has been made available to us through Christ’s resurrection.
Matthew 28:6 declares:
"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay."
The empty tomb is proof that Jesus conquered sin and death. His resurrection is the greatest demonstration of God’s power, and that same power is alive in us today. This week, we are diving into what it means to walk daily in resurrection power and live in the victory Christ has already won for us.
In Louisiana Creole culture, resilience is in our blood. Our ancestors faced hardships, storms, and obstacles, yet they persevered, building strong communities, preserving traditions, and walking forward with faith. Whether it was rebuilding homes after hurricanes, holding on to our language and heritage, or coming together around a shared table, we learned that strength comes not from avoiding hardship but from overcoming it.
Faith is the same way. Christ’s resurrection is our reminder that no matter what trials we face, there is victory on the other side. Just as our ancestors refused to be defined by struggle, we are not defined by our past or our pain—we are defined by the power of Christ at work in us.
1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us:
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Through the resurrection:
Sin has been defeated – We are no longer slaves to sin but have been made new in Christ.
Death has lost its sting – We have the promise of eternal life with Jesus.
We are given new life – We can walk in freedom, knowing that God’s grace covers us.
Too often, we carry burdens that Christ has already lifted. We allow fear, regret, and shame to keep us from living fully in the joy and freedom of His victory. But the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us!
Romans 8:11 reminds us:
"And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you."
If we truly believe in resurrection power, then we must walk as people who are victorious—not as those who are still bound by the weight of sin and shame.
How do we live in the power of the resurrection daily? Here are three ways:
1. Leave the Grave Clothes Behind
When Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus told the people around him to remove his grave clothes (John 11:44). Even though he had been given life, he was still wrapped in the remnants of death.
Many of us are spiritually alive but still carrying things that belong to our old selves—past failures, fears, and guilt. Living in resurrection power means letting go of what no longer defines us and stepping fully into the new life Christ has given us.
2. Stand Confidently in Christ’s Victory
The enemy loves to whisper lies that make us feel defeated, unworthy, or stuck in our past. But because of Christ’s resurrection, we can stand firm in victory.
When doubt creeps in, remind yourself: "I am more than a conqueror through Christ." (Romans 8:37)
When fear tries to hold you back, declare: "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
When shame tries to silence you, hold onto: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
Jesus didn’t rise from the grave so we could live in defeat. He rose so we could live in freedom and confidence in Him.
3. Live with Purpose and Boldness
The resurrection calls us to action. Jesus didn’t just rise for us to sit on the sidelines—He has given us a mission. After His resurrection, He told His disciples to go and share the good news (Matthew 28:19-20).
In Louisiana Creole culture, we celebrate life boldly—through our food, music, traditions, and faith. The same boldness applies to our walk with Christ. Just as our ancestors stepped forward in courage despite hardship, we must step forward in faith, knowing that because He lives, we have a calling and a purpose.
Living in resurrection power means:
Walking in our God-given purpose with boldness.
Sharing the gospel and reflecting Christ’s love to others.
Trusting that, because He lives, our lives have meaning and impact.
The resurrection is proof that God brings dead things back to life. No matter what feels broken or lost in your life, God has the power to redeem, restore, and resurrect.
Identify what you need to leave behind – Are you holding onto fear, shame, or doubt? Surrender it to Jesus and walk in the freedom He has given you.
Declare victory over your life – Speak scripture daily to remind yourself of God’s power and promises.
Step into your purpose – Find one way this week to boldly live out your faith, whether it’s sharing your testimony, serving others, or spending intentional time with God.
You are not called to live a defeated life—you are called to walk in resurrection power. Because Jesus lives, you can walk in freedom, confidence, and bold faith. This is your time to rise, to step forward in victory, and to embrace the life Christ has given you.
How are you living in resurrection power this week? Share in the comments—I’d love to encourage and pray with you!
Blessings,
Liz