In recent years, I have become increasingly aware that my focus must move far beyond a singular day. Rather, the resurrection of Christ was a seismic event; it is the centerpiece of all human history. If Christ had not come forth from the grave, our faith would be in vain, and Christianity would be just another powerless religion! Today, I am going to trace the growth of my faith through three seasons.
As a Child
When I was between eight and ten years old, Sunday School was over, and I, along with a group of boys, was preparing to march inside and be a part of Big Church. And, then it happened! With the sun shining brightly on a wonderful Florida day, the excited chatter was pierced by the remarks of a tall, thin, balding man. Somewhat of a recluse, the brother of a prominent lady in the church — rumor had it that he had once been a preacher — uttered words that fell like a dark cloud on the bubbling happiness: “Boys, this day is always a sad time for me; my little girl died on Easter.” My cheerfulness vanished!
When the doors opened, I made my way inside with two opposing cognitions that I was incapable of sorting out until much later in life: Resurrection Sunday is a time of glorious hope and joy! This unusual man’s hope had been shattered, and he was filled with sadness!
As a Caring Husband
The following excerpts from my journal vividly reflect the pain, struggles, and joy that Linda and I experienced during the final years of her life:
December 10, 2017 – Between breakfast and lunch, Linda asked several probing questions: What is wrong with me? How long will I live? What can be done? Why doesn’t God take me? She then expressed a desire to go to be with Him before she forgot everyone.
September 18, 2020 – During the pandemic, in a window visit, we sang songs about Heaven and rejoiced over Jesus’ imminent return. She responded, “Praise God!”
January 24, 2021 — The pandemic has made it impossible for us to have normal visits; however, each day when I FaceTime with her, I let her know she is beautiful, greatly valued, immeasurably loved, and moving toward being with Jesus forever. Today, she said, “I want to go to Heaven.”
January 25, 2021– I received a picture of Linda eating pizza and displaying a bright smile. The caption read: “She has been talking to the Lord a lot today.” Two hours later, when I tried to FaceTime with her, she was totally disconnected, and the call lasted less than a minute.
April 21, 2023 — After telling Linda about the wonders of Heaven — as I consistently do — I asked her if she would like to go see Jesus. Even though the words were slurred, she quietly said, “Yes.”
May 11, 2023 — Linda awakened as I came into her room and was obviously very happy to see me, but soon started crying. After receiving medication, she calmed down and I was able to feed her. While listening to a song about Heaven, I told her, “We are going there someday, and it will be wonderful.” She suddenly looked at me and exuberantly said, “I love you!”
Adjusting to a New Normal
Prior to Linda’s death, overcoming tragedy – for both Linda and me — in large part focused on getting back to the way things were. This time it is drastically different, adjusting to a new normal is required. Obviously, for Linda, it was — and is – glorious! Adjustment for me depends on my acceptance of two realities: God loves me as much as He loves Linda! The resurrection of Christ assures me that every detail of my life is in His hands!
... if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died (1 Corinthians 15:13-20 NLT).
Ron Harvard Ministries 