Many friends of mine are undergoing unimaginable struggles as I type this post. Several are suffering through the physical afflictions of their young children. Other families are being torn asunder by addictions and abuse. Some are wishing year after year for a mate or family of their own, while others are forced to watch their parents or beloved spouses suffer through any of a number of debilitating, degrading conditions. So many hopes are unfulfilled, so many dreams left shattered. Here at home and abroad unspeakable tragedies and injustices happen every day, including slavery, forced prostitution, starvation, perpetual wars, and genocide.

On this Good Friday, as I remember the humiliation, sacrifice and suffering of our Lord and Savior, I have renewed hope as I weep over all the immense suffering in the world and experience a small measure of my own. Some say that suffering is inevitable in a fallen world and we must grit our teeth and simply get through it. I’m comforted, though, to know that’s not the last word. On this day, according to God’s plan, the Son of God suffered and experienced rejection and abandonment from the Father like none of us has. Through Christ’s own experience in life and death, we have a great high priest who understands our trials and sufferings and sympathizes with us.

As Christians, we suffer not merely because it is inevitable in a fallen world but rather because we are united to Christ, and we share in His own suffering. But this suffering will certainly not be for naught. Our loving God and Father orchestrates all things both for His glory and for the good of those who love him. As Romans 5:2-4 says:

Through [Jesus] we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (NIV)

While we endure the hardships God will bring to us in this life, we have immense hope in Christ. Through our union with Christ, we will share in Christ’s sufferings, but we will also share in His glory. Rather than despair in the brokenness of our lives and this world, we look to the certainty of our redemption and resurrection, guaranteed by Christ’s own death and resurrection. After darkness will come light. After death will come resurrection. After shame will come glory. In a phrase made popular by Tony Campolo, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”