In Christ Alone

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." — 1 Corinthians 3:11

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." — Isaiah 26:4

There are so many wonderful things about entering the spring season: the change in weather, the blooming of plants and trees, and it's time to pull out shorts and flip-flops!  However, just as nature transitions, life brings its own changes that can cause uncertainty, which can lead to doubt and fear. As a school administrator, this season often comes with shifts, teachers and administrators retiring, moving, or taking new calls to serve in different schools across the country. Parting ways can be difficult, and it’s natural to seek security in our careers and relationships. There is security in knowing and working alongside a trusted and valued colleague for years. But nothing in this world can provide the lasting security we all desire.

Early Sunday morning, as I was reading my devotion before church, I was reminded of the song “In Christ Alone”. This powerful hymn declares that our true hope, strength, and security are found only in Jesus. He is our Cornerstone, our solid ground, unwavering through every storm. He is our light in darkness and our strength in weakness. When fears arise and life feels overwhelming, we can rest in the unshakable peace that comes from knowing Jesus' love for us.

The Power of the Cross and the Resurrection

As we enter Passion Week and prepare to celebrate Easter, we are reminded that Jesus did not remain distant from our struggles. He stepped into them. He took on flesh, experiencing the depths of human suffering and rejection. On the cross, He bore the full weight of our sin so that we could stand justified before God.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."         — Isaiah 53:5

Because of His sacrifice, we can live in freedom, no longer bound by sin’s power. His victory did not end at the cross. On the third day, He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death forever. His resurrection assures us that we, too, will have victory in Him. Sin has lost its grip on us. We belong to Jesus, and nothing, no fear, no trial, no scheme of the enemy can separate us from His love.

Because of Christ, we no longer live in guilt or fear. Our destiny is secured in Him, from life’s first cry to our final breath. The enemy may try to shake us, but Romans 8:38-39 reassures us: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

What a powerful promise! Whether in times of joy or suffering, we can stand firm in the power of Christ, knowing that He holds us and will never let us go.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being our solid foundation. In You alone, I find strength, hope, and peace. When the storms of life come, help me to stand firm in Your love. Remind me daily that no power of hell and no scheme of man can separate me from You. I surrender my fears and my future into Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jacob Kothe, Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School, Las Vegas