It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’

In the 1950’s there was a study done by Dr. Curt Richter in which he dropped rats into a tub of water to test how long they would tread water before they gave up. He found that they would last about 15 minutes and quit. Right after they started to sink, he would scoop them out, dry them off and give them a few minutes to rest. Then, they would be placed back into the water. Astonishingly, these rats would then tread water for about 60 hours. That is not a misprint. They lasted 60 hours, pushing themselves beyond any limitation they had because they thought they would be saved. This experiment became known as the “Hope Experiment.”

S.M. Lockridge was a Pastor in San Diego who passed away in the year 2000. When he was preaching, he was best know for an Easter sermon he gave which was entitled, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’.” Regardless of one’s faith, this sermon has served many as a motivational speech because of its message of hope.

Yes, the sermon was about Jesus. However, there was also a very secular message for anyone who chose to receive it. For those not familiar with the Easter message, it’s simple. Jesus was crucified on Friday after much pain and suffering. Then on Sunday, he rose from the dead. This resurrection is what the entire Christian faith is based upon. Lockridge’s sermon was a powerful illustration that in our darkest moments of despair, there is a better day right around the corner. In our darkest moments, we can persevere if we have hope.

We should think of these messages of hope when we face any challenge that we believe is too great. Remember, even on your darkest Friday, Sunday is coming!