Romans 8:18-21

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. – Romans 8:18-21

Dear Jesus,

You bring two “H” words into my life: 1) Honesty and 2) Hope.  Without either I would be crazy and depressed.  The honesty you bring teaches me that everything in my life decays including me.  I cannot avoid the grim reality that try as I may, I am getting older and more feeble.  Every possession I have is subject to decay and every living thing dies.  I have to be honest about that or I will careen into mental and emotional disaster when problems arise.  Like a mad man I will look for someone to blame instead of accept reality.  But you also give me hope, the promise of release and restoration at the “end of the beginning” on judgment day.  This hope keeps me company on disappointing days.  Help my loved ones and me to live in honesty and hope so we soberly bless each other’s lives in mind and spirit and do not live with the crazy pressure of trying to overcome every problem without grace.  AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Faith lives at the junction between honesty and hope.