As an equal opportunity employer, death seems to mock a life of hard work, a career of kindness to others and generosity to the needy. The most impressive resume in the world has its final publication on the obituary side of a funeral program.

But in such an uncertain and seemingly futile world, God invites us to step into the realm of faith where we find a sense of purpose in an arbitrary society, and hope where there seemed to be only dead ends. Jesus Christ is risen! He could not, and would not stay dead! "For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he HAD to rise from the dead" (John20:9). There was, for God, no other acceptable conclusion to the story of Christ's sojourn on this earth.

The resurrection tells us that when all seems lost ~ it's not! When you are dealing with God, leaving before the final inning or the last quarter is always a bad idea! By almost every estimation, the crucifixion looked like the final chapter to a terribly disappointing story. In fact it was only a snap shot of a story ~ and a promise ~ that was still unfolding! No matter what, remember this: In God's plan, the story of your life, no matter how difficult, is meant to end in victory!