By Marla Graham

It was Saturday afternoon before Easter here at the Graham house when my children saw the neighbor cat carrying something in his mouth. At first, the thought was that he was really a she, and there were new kittens to welcome. However, in just a short time, Jeremiah (my oldest) discovered that the cat was actually carrying a baby bunny. The cat was bringing home the bacon so to speak. (Gross, I know, but it is a reality!) 

My children, indignant at the very thought, quickly chased the cat away and just as quickly coaxed their soft-hearted daddy into rescuing the bunny. My husband, Jerry, gently bathed the badly wounded bunny and treated “Fighter” (yes, they named it!) with antibiotic spray.  Later he nursed Fighter with a syringe and some special milk.  As we went to bed the kids all prayed for the bunny, and we were hopeful that Fighter might actually make it.  My husband and I discussed what an awesome Easter story we would have to share if God chose to give this bunny new life!

Easter morning brought the traditional chaos to our house and the bunny was almost forgotten in our rush to church. Just at the last minute, Jeremiah remembered and ran to check on Fighter, only to find that he had not made it through the night.

As soon as we arrived home from church, we set out to give Fighter a proper burial service.  Jerry, being a great pastor and even better daddy, presided over the service. It was his speech that really gave us all an awesome perspective. He reminded the children about how angry they were for Fighter about the injustice he received from the enemy cat.  He reminded them of how much they loved and cared for the bunny the instant they knew him, of how they took mercy on him and saved him from the evil one (in this case the neighbor cat.)  Then he asked them to think of their friends, specifically about their friends who were not walking with Christ.  He compared their friends to the bunny and challenged them to be as concerned for their friends’ spiritual well-being as they were for that of Fighter.

So that is the challenge I offer to you today.  Do you know anyone who, like the bunny, is hurting because of attacks of the evil one? We need to be a light in the darkness for them. (Matt. 5:14-16)

Or maybe it is you the enemy has been chewing on?  Did you know that even though we go through rough times here on earth, God can use all of those trials and struggles for His glory? (Romans 8:28) Not only that, but He promises to walk through those valleys with you.  Please know there is hope for all of us this side of death. God loved you the instant He formed you, and He longs to rescue you from the jaws of the evil one if you will only call out to Him. He promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him.

So this Easter, join me in remembering all the lessons we can learn from an Easter bunny.

Marla Graham is a teacher, pastor’s wife and mother of six.  She is also the founder of SHINE Ministries for women.  You can learn more about her and SHINE Ministries at www.shine4jesus.org.