It’s Good Friday today. For most of my life I didn’t understand what that meant. I certainly didn’t understand that the literal significance of history on this day was anything but good. And even as I began my walk with Jesus, I maintained my ignorance regarding the ‘good’ of the day. You see, Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday. He was wrongfully punished by the world. He was perfect. He was without sin. But he took the worst punishment of all; death. Even though he didn’t ‘deserve’ it. It was God’s plan for him, however. And as God’s one and only son, he trusted Him. No matter what.

In all his perfection, Jesus was viewed, by many, as a terrible person. As a threat to the world. He was persecuted beyond belief. To death, actually. And he took it. He took it all. And he used EVERY one of these experiences to God’s advantage. He let every one know that his faith NEVER wavered. And he never stopped loving every single person, despite their imperfections.

When we choose to follow Christ, we are promising God to follow His commandments. Mostly, we are promising to love one another. Which sometimes means taking a beating when we are wrongfully accused. Putting aside our pride for humility. Loving others ANYWAY, even when they have hurt us. And forgiving others when they stomp on our heart.

Christ doesn’t ask us to be doormats to the world, but to be DIFFERENT in spite of what the world brings us. To show kindness, compassion, and love, just as He did. He dealt with more awfulness than I will ever see in my lifetime on earth, but he never stopped his mission to help others and to show them God’s love. And then he died for us. ALL of us. So that all of our sins would be forgiven and that we would have the opportunity for new life. A life free of our past sins. And this is why today is Good. And why God uses all tough situations for good. He doesn’t promise a worry free life. But he promises to use these experiences, no matter how tragic, for the Good of all of us.

If you don’t know the story of Good Friday, be like me and look it up. Here is some great scripture you can read. Luke 23 From the Bible. Which is historical fact, in case you didn’t know. Cause I didn’t years ago, and I like things that are facts. Because I believe them.

And, just so you know, I’m not just writing about Good Friday because it seems like the ‘right’ thing to do. I’m writing because today has NOT been a ‘good’ day. And my family is feeling personally today that persecution. And our natural tendency (sin) leads me to immediately want to retaliate. To say, “YOU ARE WRONG!!!” But my faith in Christ tells me otherwise. It reminds me that, “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. And by trusting Him, and following Him, He will redeem this situation for good. And that’s more of a challenge than anything else in front of me right now.

I pray that today you might get a sense of who God is in a new way. I pray that you are encouraged to learn a little more. I pray that this Easter weekend, which brings Christ’s resurrection gives you hope in God’s Word. I pray that you understand that God is for ALL of us. And He loves YOU. And He wants you to know the love and peace that can come only from him.