We can be anxious about the meaninglessness of our brief existence but God s transcendent life will fill the world with purpose despite our anxiety. It was shortly after this that the most profound miracle of Easter began to happen. A bunch of fearful, anxious men with low self-esteem and no hope, were transformed and made confident, empowered, courageous and daring. God gave them the gift of the Spirit and said to them, you ve already got everything you need, here is my blessing, now go and heal other people. With that blessing, these women and men turned completely around and started other churches to the point that today a quarter of the world is gathering to remember the hope that galvanized their lives.
Blessing has a power like that.
I remember one boy in High School that was just depressed. He was convinced he was nothing but a loser and he dressed in clothes that screamed alienation, shuffled around, and mumbled. One day he was making some self-deprecating, cynical remarks and one of the prettiest girls in the school was standing with us. I m telling you within a week that guy had a whole new look. It was amazing to behold.