Finding Joy in the Pain: How the Cross and Resurrection Transform Our Suffering
Adapted from: Results of the Resurrection Helps by Sam Holm
Ever wondered how something called "Good Friday" could involve brutal crucifixion? The answer reveals one of Christianity's most revolutionary truths: God specializes in transforming our deepest sorrows into lasting joy.
Just last week, a couple from our church walked their neighbors through the devastating loss of a mother. Through that pain, those neighbors—Ken, Melissa, and their children—all came to faith in Jesus and chose to be baptized. Their story radiated joy despite the grief. How is that even possible?
The Night Before Everything Changed
On the night before His crucifixion, facing the most horrific death imaginable, Jesus chose to teach His disciples about joy. Not temporary happiness that depends on circumstances, but joy—something deeper and unshakeable.
In John chapter 16, Jesus keeps telling His disciples that "in a little while" they won't see Him, then "in a little while" they will. They're completely confused. He's describing His death and resurrection, but more importantly, He's reframing how we should think about suffering.
Three Questions This Teaching Answers
1. Is my pain permanent?
No. For those who follow Jesus, sorrow has a time limit. Jesus doesn't promise we'll avoid pain—in fact, He's brutally honest: "In this world you will have trouble." But He adds the game-changing promise: "Take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus uses the metaphor of childbirth (and remember, He's talking before modern pain relief existed). The pain is real and intense, but it transforms into joy when the baby arrives. The anguish doesn't just end—it becomes the pathway to something beautiful.
2. Can I really have a relationship with God?
Yes, and it's secure. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened direct access to God. In the ancient temple, a massive curtain separated people from God's presence. When Jesus died, that curtain ripped from top to bottom—symbolizing that the barrier was gone.
Jesus tells His disciples they can now approach God directly, ask anything "in His name" (meaning in line with His character and will), and know that God the Father loves them personally. Many people live like spiritual orphans, hesitant to approach God, when Jesus has already opened the way.
3. How can I have joy when life feels overwhelming?
You can know the outcome. Think about watching a recording of your favorite team's game when you already know they won. Even the tense moments don't steal your joy because you know how it ends. The cross and empty tomb tell us who wins in the end.
The deepest pains aren't usually physical—they're relational. When someone you love receives a terminal diagnosis, when a relationship shatters, when you're walking through the darkest valley—these cut to the core. But the resurrection promises that death, pain, and loss don't get the final word.
From Neighbors to Family
Back to that opening story—it gets better. The couple who moved away and led their neighbors to faith also met another neighbor who wasn't a Christian. That neighbor invited them to a new church, joined a small group, and also came to faith. Last Sunday, they celebrated five neighbors being baptized together.
Their reflection captures something powerful: "It keeps coming back to just showing up for people, meeting them where they are, walking with them, and never forgetting to bring Jesus into that walk. The ripple effect is so beautiful and powerful."
Your Next Step This Week
Easter is when people who don't normally think about faith are most open to exploring it. Who in your life needs to hear that their sorrow doesn't have to be permanent, that a relationship with God is possible, and that there's genuine hope for the future?
This isn't about having all the answers or being perfect. It's about sharing what the cross and resurrection mean to you. One invitation to church, one honest conversation about your own struggles and faith, one act of showing up for someone in pain—these ripples can change everything.
Don't let Easter be just another holiday. Let the reality of what Jesus did—dying for our failures and rising to defeat death—actually impact how you live this week. And consider bringing someone along to discover this hope with you.
Because in a world full of pain, we all need to know that joy is possible.
Ever wondered how something called "Good Friday" could involve brutal crucifixion? The answer reveals one of Christianity's most revolutionary truths: God specializes in transforming our deepest sorrows into lasting joy.
Just last week, a couple from our church walked their neighbors through the devastating loss of a mother. Through that pain, those neighbors—Ken, Melissa, and their children—all came to faith in Jesus and chose to be baptized. Their story radiated joy despite the grief. How is that even possible?
The Night Before Everything Changed
On the night before His crucifixion, facing the most horrific death imaginable, Jesus chose to teach His disciples about joy. Not temporary happiness that depends on circumstances, but joy—something deeper and unshakeable.
In John chapter 16, Jesus keeps telling His disciples that "in a little while" they won't see Him, then "in a little while" they will. They're completely confused. He's describing His death and resurrection, but more importantly, He's reframing how we should think about suffering.
Three Questions This Teaching Answers
1. Is my pain permanent?
No. For those who follow Jesus, sorrow has a time limit. Jesus doesn't promise we'll avoid pain—in fact, He's brutally honest: "In this world you will have trouble." But He adds the game-changing promise: "Take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus uses the metaphor of childbirth (and remember, He's talking before modern pain relief existed). The pain is real and intense, but it transforms into joy when the baby arrives. The anguish doesn't just end—it becomes the pathway to something beautiful.
2. Can I really have a relationship with God?
Yes, and it's secure. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened direct access to God. In the ancient temple, a massive curtain separated people from God's presence. When Jesus died, that curtain ripped from top to bottom—symbolizing that the barrier was gone.
Jesus tells His disciples they can now approach God directly, ask anything "in His name" (meaning in line with His character and will), and know that God the Father loves them personally. Many people live like spiritual orphans, hesitant to approach God, when Jesus has already opened the way.
3. How can I have joy when life feels overwhelming?
You can know the outcome. Think about watching a recording of your favorite team's game when you already know they won. Even the tense moments don't steal your joy because you know how it ends. The cross and empty tomb tell us who wins in the end.
The deepest pains aren't usually physical—they're relational. When someone you love receives a terminal diagnosis, when a relationship shatters, when you're walking through the darkest valley—these cut to the core. But the resurrection promises that death, pain, and loss don't get the final word.
From Neighbors to Family
Back to that opening story—it gets better. The couple who moved away and led their neighbors to faith also met another neighbor who wasn't a Christian. That neighbor invited them to a new church, joined a small group, and also came to faith. Last Sunday, they celebrated five neighbors being baptized together.
Their reflection captures something powerful: "It keeps coming back to just showing up for people, meeting them where they are, walking with them, and never forgetting to bring Jesus into that walk. The ripple effect is so beautiful and powerful."
Your Next Step This Week
Easter is when people who don't normally think about faith are most open to exploring it. Who in your life needs to hear that their sorrow doesn't have to be permanent, that a relationship with God is possible, and that there's genuine hope for the future?
This isn't about having all the answers or being perfect. It's about sharing what the cross and resurrection mean to you. One invitation to church, one honest conversation about your own struggles and faith, one act of showing up for someone in pain—these ripples can change everything.
Don't let Easter be just another holiday. Let the reality of what Jesus did—dying for our failures and rising to defeat death—actually impact how you live this week. And consider bringing someone along to discover this hope with you.
Because in a world full of pain, we all need to know that joy is possible.
Posted in New Testament
Posted in Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Abide, Invite, Father, Access, Sorrow, Victory, Peace, Love, Promise
Posted in Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Abide, Invite, Father, Access, Sorrow, Victory, Peace, Love, Promise
Recent
Archive
2026
January
2025
January
March
April
June
August
October
2024
September
October