From April Showers to May Flowers: A Resurrection Hope

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

April showers bring May flowers. This well-known saying reminds us that even in times of gloom and rain, something beautiful is on the horizon. As we reflect on this familiar phrase, we see a beautiful parallel with the Easter Story.

On the Friday of Jesus' crucifixion, the skies were dark, the storms of doubt, fear, and despair seemed to cover the hearts of His followers. They watched their Savior suffer, and to them, it appeared that all was lost. The rain of death clouded the skies of hope.

But through His death came a promise of something even more beautiful: the resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead on that glorious Easter morning, the world was forever changed. His resurrection, like the first bloom of the flowers after the rain, reminds us that “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!” As Pastor S.M. Lockridge famously preached.

Today, as we think about the rain in our own lives — those times of trial, pain, and sorrow — let us remember that these moments are not the end. Just as April showers give way to May flowers, our struggles can bear witness to God's resurrection power. As we begin the month of May, may we rejoice as resurrection people who live in the truth that Sunday is coming. He is Risen, He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the beauty of the resurrection and the hope it brings. Help us to trust You in the rainstorms and look forward to the beauty that will bloom in our hearts. May we live with the hope of Easter every day, knowing that in You, death has been defeated, and new life has begun. In Jesus' name, Amen.

                                                                                                           Sara Cerulle, Bethany Lutheran, Long Beach, CA