by Desiree Bustamante

Through Christ’s blood we have restoration, hope and peace.

“Say to those with fearful hearts,
    “Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
    He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
    and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer,
    and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!

Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
    and streams will water the wasteland.”
Isaiah 35: 4-6 New Living Translation

Like many verses in the Old Testament, these point to the time when there would be restoration for God’s people, fulfilled in the promise of Christ.

There is much suffering in the world—physical pain, emotional angst, spiritual turmoil. It is hard to live on this earth and see so much evil, sin and decay. Yet we are never alone. We have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who walked among all the hurting, oppressed and lost people every day. He healed them of their physical ailments, certainly, but the hope and forgiveness He gave them was the utmost blessing to their lives.

We have access to that same Savior. He took all the sins and utter darkness to the cross, defeated Satan and rose as the King of all people. He has redeemed us for Himself, and one day we will live with Him in the hope of that resurrection forever. Take all your grief, sadness and fear to the cross and lay it before Him. Christ will restore you and walk with you every day, transforming you with His blood and planting His peace in your heart.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado