Power and Grace: Unleashing Resurrection Hope This Lent

Hey, Beautiful Souls!

Today, April 18, 2025, as we journey through the final stretch of Lent, our hearts turn to the powerful words found in Acts 4:33. This single verse, brimming with the early church’s vibrant faith, offers us profound insights into living a life fully surrendered to the risen Christ. It speaks of a community so deeply touched by the resurrection that their lives radiated with the power and grace of God. Let’s open our hearts and minds to the richness of this scripture and explore how it can ignite our own creative faith during this season of reflection and renewal.

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all

The opening phrase, “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” paints a vivid picture of unwavering conviction and bold proclamation. These were not timid whispers but powerful declarations rooted in their personal encounters with the resurrected Christ. Imagine the scene: these individuals, many of whom had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and felt the crushing weight of despair, were now transformed into fearless witnesses. Their lives had been irrevocably changed by the reality of the empty tomb, and this transformative power fueled their every word and deed.

This “great power” wasn’t their own; it was the divine energy of the Holy Spirit working through them. It wasn’t about eloquent speeches or persuasive arguments alone, but about the undeniable truth of their experience resonating with those who heard them. As we navigate our own Lenten journey, perhaps we can reflect on the power of our own testimonies. How has the resurrection of Jesus impacted our lives? Where are we called to share the hope and transformation we’ve found in Him, not just with words, but with the very way we live?

The second part of the verse, “And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all,” is equally profound. Grace, that unmerited favor and love of God, wasn’t just a concept; it was a dynamic force actively shaping their lives and their community. It wasn’t limited to a select few but was “at work in them all.” This speaks to the inclusive nature of God’s grace, a boundless resource available to everyone who believes.

Think about the implications of this during Lent, a season where we often focus on our shortcomings and the need for repentance. While acknowledging our need for God’s forgiveness is crucial, Acts 4:33 reminds us that God’s grace isn’t a distant reward for perfect behavior; it’s the very power that enables us to live differently. It’s the strength that meets us in our weakness, the comfort that soothes our anxieties, and the love that empowers us to extend that same grace to others.

The apostles’ power to witness flowed directly from their deep connection to the resurrected Lord Jesus. Their lives were centered on Him, their understanding shaped by His teachings, and their actions guided by His Spirit. Similarly, our own ability to experience God’s power and grace in our lives hinges on our willingness to turn to Christ wholeheartedly. Lent offers us a unique opportunity to intentionally recenter our lives on Jesus, to examine our priorities, and to realign our hearts with His.

Where is Jesus calling you to turn back to Him with renewed focus? Are there distractions that have crept in, pulling your attention away from the One who offers true and lasting power? This season invites us to shed those hindrances and to cultivate a deeper intimacy with Christ through prayer, scripture reading, and intentional moments of reflection.

The apostles didn’t just believe in the resurrection as a historical event; it was a living, breathing reality that permeated their present. Their testimony wasn’t a recounting of something that happened in the past but a declaration of a present truth that held the power to transform lives in their own time. This same urgency should mark our faith today. The resurrection isn’t just a doctrine to be affirmed; it’s the foundation of our hope, the source of our strength, and the driving force behind our witness.

How does the reality of the resurrection shape your daily decisions? Does it infuse your interactions with others with hope and love? This Lent, let’s ask God to ignite within us a renewed sense of the urgency of resurrection faith, a conviction so profound that it compels us to live and speak with the same power and grace that marked the early church.

Lent is traditionally a time of fasting and self-denial, practices intended to draw us closer to God and to cultivate spiritual discipline. However, these practices are not meant to be acts of mere willpower but rather opportunities to open ourselves more fully to God’s transforming power. When we intentionally set aside distractions and comforts, we create space for God to speak more clearly into our lives.

Consider how you might embrace God’s power during these remaining days of Lent. Perhaps it’s through committing to a daily time of prayer and scripture reading, allowing His Word to shape your thoughts and actions. Maybe it’s through intentionally practicing acts of service and kindness, extending God’s grace to those around you. Or perhaps it’s through engaging in creative expressions of your faith, allowing the power of the resurrection to inspire your art, your writing, or your music.

I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed by a particular challenge. I tried to power through it on my own, relying on my own strength and abilities. Predictably, I felt drained and defeated. It was in that moment of utter exhaustion that I finally cried out to God, admitting my weakness and asking for His help.

To my surprise, it wasn’t a sudden burst of my own strength that came, but a deep sense of peace and a clear direction forward that I knew could only come from Him. It was a powerful reminder that true strength isn’t found in our self-sufficiency but in our dependence on God’s grace. Just like the early apostles, it was in acknowledging my limitations that I experienced His power most profoundly.

This vulnerability, this willingness to admit our need for God, is not a sign of weakness but an open door to His strength. Lent invites us to lay down our pretenses of self-reliance and to embrace the beautiful truth that His grace is indeed sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

One way to connect with the power and grace described in Acts 4:33 is through creative faith practices like journaling. Consider dedicating some time each day to reflect on this verse and its implications for your life. You could start by writing out the verse itself, allowing its words to sink deep into your heart. Then, you might explore the following prompts in your journal:

• What does “great power” in the context of the resurrection mean to you?
• How have you experienced God’s grace working in your life?
• Where are you being called to be a bolder witness to the resurrection?
• What areas of your life feel weak or challenging right now? How can you invite God’s grace to be powerfully at work in those areas?
• How can you creatively express the hope and joy of the resurrection through writing, art, or other forms of creative expression?

You might also consider engaging in creative Bible journaling, using colors, drawings, or lettering to visually represent the themes of power and grace in Acts 4:33. This can be a beautiful way to meditate on the scripture and to allow its message to resonate with your soul on a deeper level. Faith journaling scripture writing, where you focus on a specific verse and explore its meaning through written reflections and prayers, can also be a powerful practice during this season.

As we approach the end of Lent, let’s consider practical ways to live out the powerful message of Acts 4:33:

1. Journal: Spend time each day reflecting on Acts 4:33 and journaling your thoughts, prayers, and creative responses. Use your Scripture Journaling Kit or Mini Journaling Kit for prompts and inspiration.
2. Pray: Intentionally bring your need for God’s power and grace before Him in prayer. Ask Him to strengthen your witness and to make His grace evident in your life.
3. Create: Engage in a creative activity that reflects the hope and power of the resurrection. This could be anything from painting and drawing to writing and music. Allow your creativity to be an expression of your faith.
4. Share: Look for opportunities to share the hope of the resurrection with others. This could be through a conversation, a message of encouragement, or an act of service.
5. Reflect: Take time each day to reflect on how God’s power and grace are at work in your life. Pay attention to the small moments where you experience His presence and His love.

Creative Jesus Girl is all about encouraging your faith walk and equipping your creative journey. And friends, I am excited about how many Free Creative Resources I now have available. Some are tailored for our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia— click here -> Free Creative Resources or on the menu above to download them now! Think beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits – all created to help you grow in your Faith.

Download your freebies now and let’s get creative as we journey through the rest of Lent together! I’d love to see how you’re using them. Share your insights and creations with #CreativeJesusGirl – I can’t wait to see your faith shine!

All the resources are designed to help you engage with scripture creatively and deepen your faith journey during any season. Our Scripture Journaling Kits offers tools to combine your creative expression with scripture study. This can allow you to use art to reflect on the meaning of the word. The Mini Journaling kit provides a smaller more compact version of this, that allows for easy travel.

Using these resources can enhance your spiritual growth and provide a deeper understanding of Jesus’ life and His Word. Engaging with scripture through journaling and creative expression allows for a more personal and reflective experience. These tools can help you connect with God on a deeper level, transforming your spiritual growth into a transformative experience. By utilizing these resources, you can cultivate a habit of creative faith, allowing God to speak to you through the scriptures.

Don’t forget to explore past articles and resources on the Creative Jesus Girl website for more ideas on integrating faith and creativity. For ongoing inspiration and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon community here. Your support helps us continue to create resources that encourage and equip creative Jesus girls like you.

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts open to your transformative power and your boundless grace. Like the early apostles, we desire to be bold witnesses to the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. We acknowledge our weaknesses and our need for your strength. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, Lord, that we may speak and live with the power of your resurrection.

Let your grace be so powerfully at work in each of our lives, shaping us into vessels of your love and light. Strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and empower us to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. Thank you for your unfailing love and your abundant grace that meets us where we are.

In Jesus’ Name, I Pray,
Amen.

As we draw closer to Easter, may the powerful truth of the resurrection and the abundant grace of God continue to resonate deeply within your soul. Remember, dear friends, that you are not alone in this journey. We are a community of creative Jesus girls, united by our love for Jesus and our desire to express our faith in vibrant and meaningful ways.

I encourage you to share this reflection with your friends and on your social media platforms using the hashtag #CreativeJesusGirl. Let’s spread the message of hope and the power of God’s grace together! I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections on Acts 4:33 in the comments below. What resonates with you most from this verse? How are you experiencing God’s power and grace during this Lenten season?

If you’re not already connected, be sure to follow Creative Jesus Girl on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn for more faith-filled encouragement. Use the hashtag #CreativeJesusGirl to share your journey—I can’t wait to see how God is working in your life.

I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl passionate about creative faith, and I believe in the power of faith that transforms lives. Learn more about me here.

Stay blessed and keep creating!