In the beginning, God created a beautiful, perfect world. But sadly, it didn't stay that way.
In Genesis we read about how an evil serpent tempted man to destroy the luscious haven by introducing sin into the world. From the first decision to live selfishly, lives broke. Hearts shattered. Blood spilled. But there was hope - hope of new life beginning.
It started with a lost life. God sacrificed an animal to make coverings for man, and the first drops of red blood stained the earth. In the pain, somehow hope began.
It began as God promised a Savior to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. The lies of the snake couldn't last forever, because a Man would come to earth to bruise the head of the serpent. In that victory, we could hope to return to the unity man once had with his Creator.
Although that Savior came and let His own blood spill on our behalf, the serpent is still active. He wants to continue what he began - shattering lives. But there's always hope. There's always God.
And that's why I wrote the short story When New Life Begins. A new website opened up for readers this month to encourage Christians to use their arts for Christ - from writing, photography, music, and more. I was blessed with the chance to share the story through Story516.
If you're an artist wanting to encourage others with the talents God gave you, I encourage you to contribute to this budding community! Or if you're someone hurting, wondering why, or struggling with the lies of the serpent, I hope somehow my words are able to remind you that there's hope. Sometimes, we want to give up, but new life begins.
So hop on over! Read the short story and then check out the other posts on the website.
I promise I'll come back and do more of my typical posts soon. This week, I'm at my first writer's retreat, meeting some amazing sisters-in-Christ who also happen to be authors and/or bloggers! We are savoring this time of fellowship with like-minded believers, and I hope you're also able to rest, be still, and know that He is God.
You're never alone.
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- Romans 6:4
~♥~
That was a wonderful story...I found myself attempting to restrain a few tears. Life is beautiful, but only truly beautiful with Christ.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the writers retreat!
Thank you, sweet Julian! Life is indeed so beautiful when we live it for Christ. And friend, you are very loved. ♥
DeleteDefinitely going to check out your story! Thanks for the encouragement and hope you shine in the blogging world :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your encouragement, Ashley! That's my prayer for all of us - that we shine for Jesus in this hurting world. Press on, sweet friend. ♥
DeleteThat's beautiful, Hosanna! What hope we have in the face of trial because our Redeemer lives and gives life. No it's not just a breeze, but in His timing we see the intricate beauty of it. Thanks for sharing!! <3
ReplyDeleteYou're so kind, Jordy! I love that reminder - our Redeemer lives. No matter what comes in life we can rejoice because we are loved and saved and treasured by the King of Kings. He is so worthy.
DeleteHe is so worthy - amen! <3
DeleteBeautiful story, Hosanna! Have fun at the writers retreat!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah! I'm hope the short story inspired you to see the beauty that's all around you. Through Him, we have reason to live.
DeleteThe writers retreat was incredible with so many God moments. But I'll share about that soon. =) Thank you for the encouragement you share so often, my friend!