<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal>Grief Turned to Joy<br><br>Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.<br>John 16:20 (NIV)<br><br>These words, spoken by Jesus nearly 2,000 years ago, have been a lifeline for countless people facing sorrow. Today, let\u2019s think about the first ones who clung to them: his disciples.<br><br>Jesus spoke these words on Thursday of Holy Week in the Upper Room. By Friday, he was crucified, and the world rejoiced in his death. Then came Saturday\u2014a day of grief, confusion, and silence.<br><br>Perhaps the disciples were back in that same Upper Room, their tears breaking the quiet. Did the words from Thursday echo in their hearts? \u201cYou will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.\u201d<br><br>Did they dare believe it?<br><br>When Jesus said this, he wasn\u2019t offering wishful thinking. He was declaring a truth written across the story of God\u2019s people. From Abraham\u2019s journey to Israel\u2019s exodus, God had always turned grief into joy. It took time. It often involved loss. And it was always wrapped in mystery. But God was faithful.<br><br>If today feels like \u201cSaturday\u201d for you\u2014a day of waiting, mourning, or uncertainty\u2014know this: \u201cYou will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.\u201d<br><br>Cling to this promise. It is true because of the One who spoke it and the empty tomb that followed.<br><br>Your joy is coming. Hold on with hope, because God is still turning mourning into dancing, sorrow into singing, and grief into joy. <o:p></o:p></p></div></div></body></html>