It’s been a tough couple of years, and the challenges continue – who would have expected war in Europe hot on the heels of the pandemic, with climate change threatening the survival of the planet?
And who knows what the future holds as we brace ourselves for rising cost of living, and lots more difficulties besides.
We have learnt to be resilient, and that resilience will need to continue.
One thing we have all realised for sure is that nothing stays the same: change is a part of life.
Except, that is, for God, who stays constant – “for Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever” (as we are told in the Bible in the book of Hebrews 13:8).
Life is so complicated these days, isn’t it?
But having recently celebrated Easter, I am so aware that while Jesus does deal with all that spoils our relationship with God – which is why he went to the cross – he doesn’t always take our difficulties away – he comes alongside us in them, if we let him.
Through Jesus’ resurrection he proclaims – “I am with you always”.
The Easter story changes everything, and offers hope to all who are struggling, and, I believe, is worthy of our attention all year round.
The Revd Gill Rowell, Vicar of St Catherine’s Church, Tilehurst, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
