Much is made of Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Christian circles. Rightly so, because Good Friday and Easter comprise the heart of Christianity. Jesus death paid the penalty for our sin and redeemed us so that we could have a relationship with God. His resurrection shattered the power of death allowing us to live eternally with God.
What rarely gets mentioned is the Saturday in between. Friday was the tragedy and Sunday was the victory but Saturday was the day of mourning, confusion, and fear. Saturday was the day that Jesus’ followers had to come to grips with what they thought was a new reality, the Messiah was dead. They did not understand, even though Jesus had told them, that His death was temporary.
Christians still deal with similar situations. An event happens that shakes us to the core. Perhaps even challenges our faith. If we stand firm, eventually the victory will come. In time, we will see God work through the event to glorify Himself or cause us to grow. Sometimes both things happen. When the victory comes then we have a testimony.
However, during the “Saturday” period we may have to struggle with feeling of guilt, anger, betrayal, confusion, or grief. These periods are difficult. It is during “Saturday” that we must cling to God and His promises and trust that He will work this out for good.
Having gone through such times before can make it easier to trust God. We can look back and see what He did in the past and that can give us confidence that God will come through again. Yes, experience can make it easier, but not easy. “Saturdays” are always going to be trying times. Yet God promises that He will never leave us not forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Holding on to that promise, no matter what the circumstances, can make “Saturdays” much more bearable.
Dear God, we know “Sunday” is coming but right now “Saturday” is looming awfully large. Please give me the strength and courage to trust You even though it seems like everything is crashing in. I know victory will come!