The resurrection of Jesus accomplished a lot of different things, one of which was it split history into A.D. and B.C.  However, one of the first thing it did was it validated Jesus’ identity.  It proved that he was who he claimed to be.  Throughout history lots of people claimed to be God.  Jesus proved that he was God by letting them put him to death on the cross and then by coming come back to life three days later where he was seen alive by his disciples and over 500 people over the next 40 days.

Jesus also proved, by the resurrection, that there is life after death.  That death is not the end of the story.  Through his death, burial, and resurrection he gave us a model of how to handle the suffering and pain in life.

1 Peter 2:21: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[a] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

Through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, he modeled what we should do in the worst days of our life.  If we follow this model, when we go through the tragedies, the terrible pain filled circumstances, the days of doubt and depression and despair, he will lead us to a place of victory.

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection happened over three days.

Friday was the day of pain and suffering and agony.

Saturday was the day of loss and grief and confusion and misery.

Sunday was the day of joy, celebration and victory.

In life we’re going to go through all three of those days over and over and over again.  Some of you right now are in the day of pain.  Some of you right now are in the day of confusion and doubt.  You may not have the slightest idea what you’re supposed to do next with.  Hopefully you’ll get to the day of joy.

When you go through this cycle of life you will need to answer three fundamental questions.  What do I do in my days of pain?  How do I get through my days of doubt and confusion?  How do I get to my days of victory? 

1.  What do you do in your days of pain? – Reach out to friends and reach out to God.

2.  How do I get through the doubt and confusion? -Remember the promises of God.

3.  How do I get to my days of victory? – Rely on the power of Jesus

(Come Easter Sunday to get the entirety of this message)