"He is Risen...and so AM I!!!" by Matthew Linehan

On this Easter Sunday we celebrate and remember the day that Jesus Christ rose from the Dead! On this day thousands of years ago Jesus fulfilled the scripture that said the Son of God will die and be raised from the dead in three days. By doing this Jesus Freed the World!!! The Son of Man who sacrificed Himself so we will ALWAYS be free of sin and live an eternal life...

I too was dead for the better part of 30 years. I was dead to life. I was dead to hope. I was dead to freedom. I was dead to happiness and joy. But God...

I drank alcohol every day for the better part of 30 years. During this time I served time in the US Army, I graduated from College with a Bachelor's Degree, I was in Pharmaceutical sales and Medical sales, I went back to school and became an RN...and then I got my Nursing License suspended due to my drinking and drugging. I was dead. I couldn't stop drinking. I couldn't stop drugging. I tried though. I tried AA for 15 years. I went through 7 failed treatment centers...I suffered...my family suffered and my true friends suffered. I thought that I would someday die from drinking. I thought maybe I would end up in prison or worse dead!

Finally, 30 years after I started drinking, Jesus Christ rose ME from the dead!

That was 5 1/2 years ago and today my life is better than I could have ever imagined today.

Today I am very active in volunteering and leading ministries at Lakewood Church.

Today I am married to a Princess and we are believing to be pregnant soon.

Today I drive a brand new car.

Today I live in a beautiful house.

Today I have an awesome career.

Today...I too HAVE RISEN.

But...I didn't do it myself. I am free today because our Lord Jesus defeated my addiction by rising from the tomb.

I am here to tell you today y'all that if Jesus Christ did it for me He WILL DO IT FOR YOU!!! Whatever you are struggling with today whether it be having been laid off from your job because of the Corona Virus, are struggling with an addiction, are struggling with poor health, are struggling with abuse, are afraid that your child won't ever make it home! Please remember that the struggle has already been defeated. You have already RISEN you just may not know it yet. You ARE RISEN! Get that in your spirit.

Thank you Jesus for defeating death so today I can also be risen!!! Thank you for taking the sins of the world on. Thank you that we will not be defeated from this virus or ANYTHING that presents itself as a virus! 

Thank you Jesus for saving my life. In Jesus' Name!!! Amen!!!