In Oklahoma, we experience some ice and cold winters with snow and lots of frost on the lawns. But, as the frost melts away and the grass and flowers begin to spring back to life from their winter rest, I notice how nature can mirror the rhythm of our life––circles of dormancy followed by bursts of vibrant growth. In it, I find echoes of my own walk through life––moments when dreams seemed dormant, and hopes appeared to be lost.     

     But, scripture teaches us that our God is a God of resurrection—the divine architect of new beginnings and second chances. In Ezekiel 37, the prophet Ezekiel witnesses the miraculous resurrection of dry bones, a powerful metaphor for the restoration of their nation and, by extension, the redemption of our own broken dreams and aspirations. Just as God breathed life into those bones, He longs to breathe life into our dormant hopes and dreams by infusing them with His Spirit.

     I believe there is always a measure of quiet things hidden in our hearts that we put on the shelf for another day. But, for me, to bring them to the forefront requires that by my faith, I introduce those “on the shelf” things to the promise of God’s faithfulness. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord declares, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Even in the middle of life’s “on the shelf” or even wilderness experiences, because of this scripture, I see that God is at work, preparing the soil for new growth and orchestrating a time of renewed hopes and dreams in our lives.

     Perhaps, like the disciples on that first Easter morning, we find ourselves questioning our hopes and dreams, even wrestling with doubt or frustration. Yet, just as the stone was rolled away to reveal the risen Savior, so too does God roll away the barriers that seeminly block our hopes and dreams. In Luke 24:6-7, the angels proclaim, “He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” In the empty tomb, we find not only the assurance of Christ’s victory over death but also the promise of our hopes and dreams redeemed by the power of His love.

     In Romans 6:4, Paul reminds us, “…just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

     With each passing day, God invites us to surrender any uncertainty or loss or unpredictable circumstances and embrace the abundant life He offers—a life characterized by hope, purpose, and the fulfillment of our deepest dreams.

     As we approach this season of resurrection, I pray we are reminded of God’s unfailing love and His power to breathe life into our hopes and dreams and even into our souls––our mind, will and emotions. I encourage you to dream big, trusting that Jesus, the One who conquered the grave, is able to resurrect or bring to the newness of life every single piece of our hopes and dreams in every area of our lives. And as you do, have gratitude for the ultimate gift of redemption—the promise of eternal life with our risen Savior.

     And remember, He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).