Posted on April 16, 2026 by Rev. David Gunderson, tLMFT
Godly Living
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As our family drove home from church one Sunday, a neighbor’s dog darted into the road. My father braked hard, but the dog was struck. He jumped out and found the dog lying still. The neighbor hurried over, assured my dad it wasn’t his fault, and carried the dog home as his children wept.
Back at our house, Mom prepared Sunday dinner, but Dad couldn’t bring himself to eat. Instead, he called the neighbor to check on the children. The neighbor surprised him with unexpected news: “Strange thing about that dog. We laid her on the kitchen floor, and suddenly she just popped up. I guess she was only stunned. Now she and the kids are playing in the yard.”
What began in sorrow ended in joy.
My father’s emotional swing mirrors the disciples’ experience on that first Holy Weekend. Good Friday crushed their hopes. They hid behind locked doors, overwhelmed by grief. But Easter morning changed everything. Jesus rose. He appeared to His disciples and turned their sorrow into rejoicing. That is the joy Easter brings — Christ alive, hope restored.
Even as redeemed people, we still face difficult days — job loss, broken relationships, the death of someone we love. One pastor who endured many hardships once said, “We all have our own dark Good Fridays to go through in life, but then by God’s grace we come to our own Easter and have a new life.”
Life may not return to what it once was, but by God’s grace we can keep going. Christ meets us in our sorrow and leads us forward.
At Lutheran Family Service, we walk with those facing their own Good Fridays — couples longing to adopt, individuals grieving the loss of a spouse, those wrestling with depression, and many others. We serve with confidence because Jesus is risen. Our Risen Redeemer goes with us, and in Him we move forward in joy.
God’s Peace in Christ, our Risen Redeemer!
Pastor David Gunderson
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus, our Risen Redeemer and Savior. Because He lives, we have victory over the grave and rejoice as Your children. When frustrations and fears bring sorrow, remind us of Jesus’ triumph and Your unfailing presence. Strengthen us to share this joy with others so they may know Christ as their Living Savior. Amen.
If you or someone you know would benefit from Christ-centered mental health counseling, refer to or contact us today.
Lutheran Family Service walks with those experiencing difficult times through mental health counseling, marriage counseling, crisis pregnancy counseling, and adoption services.
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