Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
John 19:40-42 NKJV
Death precedes the Resurrection.
We rejoice at the thought of a resurrection, yet are fearful of the death necessary to bring it to pass.
A seed must first die if it is to live again and produce a bountiful harvest.
We must also experience death to various degrees here on earth if we are ever to develop into all that God would make of us and actually fulfill our purpose while we are here.
Don’t focus on the death.
Seasons come and go for a reason. Some aspirations, positions and relationships must die if we are ever to move forward.
Instead of mourning them, hope with expectancy for the new thing God would do and a joy yet to come.
Death is merely the beginning…
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
God and The Garden 
Oddly I came across another post by “Karina’s Thought” on running the race of life this morning. She pointed out the problems we cause ourselves if we look at the other runners in our race to see where they are. It was a metaphor for reviewing our past sins. Such a thing slows us down, and disrupts our Christian focus.
You have pointed out that we must allow ourselves to be stripped of people and distractions in order to move forward in our Christian journey. This goes well with Karina’s point. Our first goal is to give priority to obtaining heaven as our final resting place. We cannot allow anything to get in the way of that hope.
May we all strive for this goal at all times. If we stumble and fall, get up and continue on forgetting the fall, and all the falls before that one. Remain focused on heaven as God would want us to be. He will give us the grace and strength to complete our walk! Good post, Lilka!
Steve
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Thanks Steve. Karina is one of my favorites. I always find something that nourishes the soul when I visit her site. God does indeed give us the grace and strength to complete our walk. Thanks for that reminder.
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That’s why I’ve read her blog for a couple of years…I find the same things myself. I have also read your blog(s) for a good while too and find the same thing. You write things related to the beautiful thought of nature renewing itself, like with the different seasons of the year. You do a good job, Lilka!
🙂
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Thanks Steve! I’m just the messenger
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I love this!
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In Canada where we have such distinct seasons, your analogies speak loud and clear Lilka. And that tiny little seed that is planted, 1st having to die and then in springtime coming to life is so incredible amazing..
Thank you for sharing these precious reminders! 🙂
~Carl~
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Thanks Carl! It’s spring here and beautiful! I spend every available moment outside when I can so I see constant reminders that teach me life lessons. Good to “see” you! 🙂 As always, thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Very wise words. So important to look ahead and move forward. Death is inevitable yet, not something to fill our thoughts.
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Yes, not focusing on the death is so important. hugs.
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Reblogged this on B is for Blessed! and commented:
It’s a new season…
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