Roll Back the Stone – by Andrea Aasen

Andrea Aasen is the Executive Director and CEO of Extreme Love Ministries (formerly XP Missions). Andrea is an apostolic leader, mentored under Patricia King, who longs to see the nations restored. She and her team have worked in nations such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Iraq, developing community, business, and advocacy models to rehabilitate and protect victims of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Andrea believes in the power of love to overcome every injustice and is passionate to see women and children empowered and walking in their God created destinies.

This month, as we reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection, look behind the stone to receive His resurrection life in all areas you have need.

This season has been one of catastrophic challenge, where many have felt God’s stretching and pruning at whole new levels. As we globally navigated through Covid-19, personal fears, loss of comforts, physical restrictions, and shifts in government and worldly powers, we were tested in our faith, beliefs, and trust in Him. This has truly been a season of refining grace where many have been tucked away in the “grave” and dying to self.

But I hear the Lord saying to be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33)!  Do not fear. The Lord is neither surprised nor ashamed and has been working all things for good. God has you right where He wants you – now DEAD to your flesh and ungodly ways. Many of you may have felt this deadening within areas of self, relationships, situations, and circumstances. Yet through process you have been made humble and moldable, where you can now be shaped into His image and perfect way (Isaiah 64:8).

As we come into Easter season, there is a prophetic shift happening. The Lord is asking you to step out of your grave clothes, and “roll back the stone” to see the empty grave. Look what the Lord has done! His resurrection power has shaken your “temple” and made a way for you to enter into the Holy of Holies. And out of your “tomb”, He is bringing you into a new place of resurrection life. I see life emerging all around you as you behold His transformational process of beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)

Last season’s “death” was actually purposed for this season’s life to emerge and be multiplied.  If we want to live we first must die (Romans 8:13). Jesus modeled this Kingdom paradox sharing parables of seed and harvest (John 12:24) and through His crucifixion and ascension, giving us revelation of life coming after death (Romans 6:3-5; Gal. 2:20). He made a way, through His amazing gift of salvation, so that we too can walk as He did.

Through hardship and trial, you have been prepared to be raised to life (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4). This month, as we reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection, look behind the stone to receive His resurrection life in all areas you have need.

Here are some prayerful reflections, as we study out who He is and what He’s done for us.

Seek intimacy with God. There is always more to know about God and deeper ways we can come into relationship with Him (Hosea 6:3; Eph. 1:17-23). One of the beautiful aspects of trial is that through it, we come to know God in a very personal and tangible ways. When we can’t trust in anything else, we get very close to Him. And, as that dependency increases, we see firsthand God’s character and nature, experiencing His deep and unfailing love for us. He is jealous for you (Deut. 4:24), and His most fulfilling desire is to bring you closer to Him. He has, therefore, removed and put to death those things that were previously standing in the way.  Maybe you’ve been set free from pride, or selfish ambition, entitlement, or worldly ways – whatever the vice, in the removal of those former things, God has made a way for you to be nearer to Him. As we move now into this next season filled with life, be mindful not to lose that place of intimacy. Guard it with all your heart and keep close to Him as you step into your glorious future. Remember who He is and what He’s done for you!

Roll away the stone. The angel rolled away the stone covering the grave entrance after Jesus was entombed for three days. In doing so, all watching realized His empty tomb (Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1-17). In another instance in Jesus’ ministry, Mary and Martha also were asked in faith to roll back the stone to see Lazarus come to life (John 11:25-40). Now it’s your turn – roll back the stone and see what God has done! You, too, are being filled with new life and glory. Be transformed in every area of your life by His resurrection power. Old things have passed away and all things have been made new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Believe it – it is finished! These final words of Jesus ring true in your now. You are not the person you were yesterday. But often, in the messy process of being refined, we don’t see the changes within self. Much of the process is gradual, sometimes subtle, and sometimes dramatic, but these changes can get overlooked if we are not intentionally self-reflective. Think back to who you were. What were some of the things you used to struggle with? Now, in your present state, how has God refined you? How has He disciplined you to bring about new levels of obedience and faithfulness. Maybe He’s removed sin or old mindsets? In the process, He’s transformed your soul, by cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In this last season, how have you grown in areas of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Were you also refined in your gifts and talents? It’s time to look inwardly to see the magnitude of promise He has made available in and through you. Behold the finished work of the cross and trust in His blood and resurrection power to bring you into new life (Eph. 2:1-10).

Cultivate thankfulness. No matter what season you are in, you can find God’s goodness everywhere. He is always at work for good (Romans 8:28)! Take a moment (or several) to count your blessings. How has He blessed you, your relationships, your ministry and work? How has God used this last season of “death to self” to cultivate gratitude and thankfulness within your heart?  Then praise Him in that place (Psalm 34:1; Psalm 100:4; Isaiah 25:1). Find your hallelujah and release honor to Him for all the good He has done and continues to do!

Share the testimony! The visible empty grave brought a miraculous testimony that needed to be shared. Others came to faith and believed because of what they had seen God do. After His resurrection, Mary Magdalene began announcing to the disciples what she had heard and seen God do (John 20:18). The disciples and those who were witness to the empty tomb and His resurrected body also began sharing all they had seen. Word soon spread quickly throughout all the land (Luke 24). There is power in your testimony! As you reflect on all God has done, remember to share with others His miracle working power. How has He brought you through hardship to open doors of opportunity? How has He pressed you to bring forth new wine? What testimony has He entrusted you with to share with others? Don’t hold back – share of God’s goodness with those around you and within your sphere of influence. This is a season to make your testimony known and heard and watch your fruit multiply! Receive His life in abundance (John 10:10).

Want More? Then May We Suggest:

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Do you have any idea how incredibly powerful you are? Well, you are about to. Because the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead – the power that shattered death’s grip, the power that overcame every manifestation of the enemy, the power that set all of creation free ­– the fullness of that power dwells within you. And it is about to be stirred up and ignited!

In this message, Robert Hotchkin reveals what resurrection power does and how it works. He also shares eight important scriptural keys that will help you step into the place of resurrection power so that you can see it explode in your life ­– accelerating you into breakthroughs and empowering you as a revivalist!

THE STORY – CD/MP3 by Patricia King and Jonathan Williams
The birth, life, death and resurrection told from scripture.

Patricia King wants to tell you a story The Story ! On this amazing soaking CD, Patricia uses the power of scripture to bring to life the message of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you listen to the most important, dramatic, and meaningful story of all time, the power of the Gospel will penetrate deep into your heart, mind, soul and body. You may think you already know the story, but just wait until you experience The Story !

GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE– CD/MP3 Download from Robert Hotchkin
Are you believing for something so big it seems almost impossible?  Do you find yourself in the midst of a mess that seems way bigger than you are?   Have you been waiting (and waiting) on a promise from God that seems like it’s just never going to happen?  If so, don’t miss this teaching from Robert Hotchkin.  As you listen, you will come to understand that truly all things are possible with God – even the most seemingly improbable or impossible!  There is no situation in your finances, your health, your relationships, or your calling that is too big, too difficult, or too delayed for God.  He is well able to bring it all forth in impossible ways at impossible times because, truly, He is the God of the Impossible!

We at Patricia King Ministries thank you for your prayers, partnership, and financial support. May you be richly and abundantly blessed. And remember, God loves you with an everlasting love!