“Is it Friday, Saturday or Sunday in your life?”

Excellent or Praiseworthy is posted on Monday and Thursday nights.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . . . “ — I Peter 1:3

Editor’s Note:  Bob and Cheryl Moeller minister to marriages with “For Keeps Ministries: For Better For Worse.” They write online articles called “Marriage Minutes” (forkeepsministries.org) from which this outline is taken. We are sharing this outlined article “Is it Friday, Saturday or Sunday in your Life?” because during deployment we can experience all three of these emotions—reeling, grieving, and rejoicing!

The Easter weekend is a picture of all our lives — which day is it in your life?

A. The reality is for some of us it’s Friday in our lives (We are reeling).

Luke 24:13-19  “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;16 but they were kept from recognizing him.17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” He asked.”

1. We are stunned from unexpected and painful events in our life.

a. No one expected Jesus to end up dying on a Cross.

b. It is entirely possible these two men had witnessed the crucifixion in stunned disbelief.

c. For them it was a day of broken hearts that would never quite heal again.

2. Yet, even when it’s Friday God is still working in our lives.

a. Jesus is still caring for our needs.

b. God’s sovereign plan is still at work.

c. Spiritual victories on our behalf are still being accomplished.

3. If its Friday let the love of others be your strength.

B. The reality is for some it’s Saturday in our lives (We are grieving).

Luke 24:19b-27  “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

1. We are confused by life and our unanswered questions.

a. Sorrow has replaced shock and we are filled with questions.

b. The way we thought life was supposed to turn out has not happened.

c. What we believe is being tested as never before.

2. Yet, even when it is Saturday God is working in our lives.

a. The Word of God is being fulfilled.

b. The plan of God is being accomplished.

c. The promises of God are being vindicated.

3. If it’s Saturday let the Word of God be your strength.

C. The reality is for some it’s Sunday in our lives (We are rejoicing).

1. We are left amazed and transformed by the turn of events.

a. We sense the presence of God in our lives once again.

b. We are fed and nourished by Jesus Himself.

c. We can see Jesus in our midst once again.

2. Yes, when it’s Sunday God is at work in our lives.

a. It’s a day of amazement and understanding.

b. It’s a day of our hearts burning within us again.

c. It’s a day of witness to what God has accomplished.

3. If it’s Sunday let the presence of the risen Jesus be your strength.

D. Just remember….

Luke 24:28-35  “As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.”

1. Whatever day of the week it is for you right now God has a special grace to get you through.

2. Even when it appears God isn’t doing anything He is still at work.

3. Someday given enough time (and we may have to wait for heaven) God’s plan will all make sense.

4. In the meantime God calls us to be wise and filled with faith.

Questions to Share:

1. If the tomb is empty what problem in your life is too big for God to heal or resolve?

2. Pray for your spouse to endure through the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of your life—and to see God at work through circumstances.