This is the kingdom of God and how you know it is breaking through. . . .

when those who have been blind their whole lives can see, whether that means actual sightless eyes seeing for the first time or those blind to God’s presence suddenly seeing Him everywhere.

when those who have been lame are running and leaping and dancing for joy for their God and King, Jesus.

when those who are orphans find they have families and those who are widows find a love much greater than the one they lost and the ones thrown aside finding that they matter much more than they ever realized.

when daughters turn again to their mothers and sons to their fathers, and when walls come down and when healing and reconciliation begin. Where families come together in the name of Christ and what was hopelessly and irrevocably torn down is rebuilt stronger than ever.

when broken hearts are made whole and shattered lives are put together again. Where scars and wounds tell not of shame and defeat, but of triumph and victory.

when fingers point not at one another in accusation, but toward heaven and toward the King of Kings in acknowledgment that He is Lord and we are but His slaves with no rights but filled with His grace given daily.

when what was impossible becomes reality, the lost become found, the torn becomes mended, and the brokenhearted cry becomes an eternal Hallelujah.

This is the Kingdom of God. You and me finding our voices, finding out that we are as pure and righteous and holy as Christ because of His own shed blood. Where we lift up the name of Jesus and show people not more rules or moral codes or judgment, but grace and forgiveness and love that never lets go or gives up or backs down. Where truth reigns supreme, regardless of whether it’s popular or trendy.

The Kingdom of God is coming and at the same time, the Kingdom of God is already here. May your hearts rest in this– that you are in Christ and His love won’t stop captivating and transforming you until the day you stand before Him whole and healed and complete. Until the day you look exactly like Him. Then your faith will become sight, your hope reality. Then you will know fully how much you were eternally and unconditionally loved by the God who made you.

Amen and amen.