Have you ever had a bad day? How about a series of bad days? If so, you’re certainly not alone. In 2008, we were constructing a new building for our Little Creek Campus at Church of the King… then the recession hit. I remember thinking, “I don’t want to get out of bed!” Stress, challenges, and uncertainties were pounding me day after day. Fortunately, this difficult season didn’t last forever and God was present through it all.

We all struggle with bad days and difficult seasons, but did you know even Jesus had a bad day? On the cross, we see how Jesus responded to His darkest day.

Crucified alongside Jesus were two criminals, also having difficult days, whose conversation with Jesus reveal some very important truths to us. In Luke 23:39, we read, One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” Here, we see how this first criminal insulted and mocked Jesus.

However, in verses 41-42, the second criminal responds, “We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Wow! Talk about two different responses to a bad day.

You see friends, this second dying man reveals something important to us—he knew only grace could save him. He knew he couldn’t do anything to save himself or come down off the cross to atone for his own sins. Just like this dying man, it’s only by grace you and I are saved.

By resting assured in the character of Christ and the grace of God, we can make it through the bad days and the rough seasons! To discover how you can daily receive God’s grace and live with the assurance of heaven, dive into this message with me…