Written by: Brittany Gast

[28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT)

Happy GOOD Friday!

When we think of the events that center around Good Friday, Jesus was arrested, betrayed by his friend, an innocent man given the death penalty, whipped and beaten, nailed to a cross and hung there to suffer until he died. These things don't sound like a good friday! The story of Good Friday shows us how we can be thankful for what Jesus has done and how we can find good even in the grave.

1. God causes everything to work together for good. Every detail that happened on Good Friday worked together. His friend betraying him caused his arrest, which led to his trial, that caused him to be whipped and beaten, that led him to the cross! These events didn't seem good while they were happening. Until we get to the outcome of it
al. What the enemy meant for evil, as horrific as this scene was, God was working together to use it for good. We can thank God that he uses All things, even suffering, to work together for good in the end. suffering doesn't get the last word. Weeping may endure for a night but we have hope
because of christ, that joy will come in the morning.

2. For the good of those who love God.
Jesus loved God. His love for his father compelledhim to live a sinless life to fulfill the purpose God had for him.

Isaiah 53:5- but he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. He died to save all.

In this life we will suffer and have trials whether we believe in Jesus or not. He doesn't promise an easy life but to those who love him and believe He died on the cross and rose again, the wil use every trial and suffering for our good. For those who do not love God, their trials and suffering will last eternity.

Thank you God that we can anticipate good to come from our suffering because we love you, trust you, and believe you to be our savior, who was crucified on this Good Friday for our sins, so we could be healed, and whole.

3. Are called according to His purpose.

Jesus came to earth for a purpose. Everything Jesus did, all that happened to him on this Good Friday was all for Gods purpose. There's a good purpose in the cross and the grave, and that is to fulfill prophecy and save the world.

Isaiah 53:10-11, But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet
when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many defendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.

Nothing is waisted and God uses every detail of our life for a purpose.
I will give thanks in ALL circumstances, because I know he is working all the details together for my good in the end. God used the crucifixion of Jesus for our good. Jesus did what no one else would or could do, and because of Jesus' sacrifice, the grave doesn't get the last word and we will rise into eternity. Where would I be without the cross and the grave?  Death where is your sting?

Friday is GOOD because Sunday is coming.