Easter reminds us that the greatest victories come out of great difficulty and suffering. In fact, those victories sometimes will emerge out of what seems like a great defeat. Just like the butterfly must fight its way out of the cocoon to survive, sometimes we must persevere through trial to gain the blessing. But God is not just waiting at the end of the struggle, He’s with us in the midst of it. It is His strength that helps us endure and overcome.
There’s an old song that goes something like “I May Be Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Some Day).” That’s the story for all who follow Jesus. We may not look like much or amount to much in the world’s standards, but God thinks we are priceless and He’s making us into precious gems fit for a King.