GRIEF to JOY. believe it, proclaim it!

We've just celebrated Easter in remembrance of the ''holy week'' from the time when Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem leading to his crucifixion and then to the greatest victory, his RESSURECTION.

The gospel of John in chapter 16 verses 16 through to 22 speaks of how Jesus tells His disciples that ''in a little while they will see Him no more, and then after a while they will see Him''.

All Jesus meant to say was that, the time had come for Him to be crucified just as the scriptures foretold in Isaiah 53. The coming of a Messiah who will save His people.

The disciples did not understand what was to take place. They were in great sorrow when Jesus was crucified. To them, they had lost a true friend, a teacher and their Lord. However, on the third day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and His disciples had great Joy. It was only after all this had taken place that the disciples understood.

The scriptures had been fulfilled!

He is ALIVE

God made Him who knew no sin become sin so that you and I may have eternal life (spiritually). It was not easy but it was worth it because it was all part of Gods plan of salvation for His people. We are His people and we were living in sin. And the scriptures make mention of ''the wages of sin being death''(Romans 6:23). Hence, Christ offered himself as a living sacrifice in that, through His death, we also died to sin and in His resurrection we are raised to life. He took our place on the cross of Calvary.

• He knew that we will be saved through this act of great love .

• He knew that the latter glory will be greater than the former.

Hebrews 12:2...''for the joy set before him He endured the cross...''

In life, we all go through trials of which we may not understand and

today, you might be facing grief, but be encouraged, your grief will turn to joy.

In verse 33 of John 16, it says ''I have told you all these things so that in me (that is Christ Jesus) you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world''.

Yes! Jesus paid the price for our debt. A debt we could have never been able to pay.

He ransomed us when He shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary. That in Him, we will have life in abundance. This abundant life includes

• Joy

• Peace

• Love

• Hope

• Wholeness

• Restoration,

all in the Lord.

Do you feel you are mourning while the world rejoices?

Just as with the disciples of Jesus,

I prophecy over your life, that ''in a little while'' your grief will turn to joy so take heart!

At the full term of pregnancy a woman experiences excruciating labor pains, but after the baby is born her pain turns to joy.

Gods word is truth and He promises that your sadness will develop into gladness if you allow Him to walk with you through the storm. Know that a 1000 years in our sight is like a day in Gods sight. What He has said will be accomplished because His word never returns to Him void.

Whatever comes our way in life does not escape God and most times He allows it for a reason only He knows. But one thing I am sure of, He is a good God and His plans concerning us are good.

for the joy set before us, I encourage you to endure. It will be worth it.

Finally, consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3

JOY is coming...Believe it! Proclaim it!

with love from your sister in Christ,

Lady Magdalene.