I am in hell. Challenges abound in every corner, dysfunctional relationships are the norm, and the concept of team is truly illusive. The situation is ugly from any perspectives. The future can be seen as bleak. The obstacles are beyond any one person’s ability to overcome. In this hell I have more hope, confidence, and visions of the future than at anytime in my life.
The fact is that the worst is yet to come. Clearly “the first doom is past. [There are] two dooms yet to come.” (Revelation 9.12) This doesn’t cause me to worry. The solution is being exercise in the present. We can seize the model and extend it to every part of life.
We know we are in a vicious fight. Far too often I find myself in denial or in a state of complaining. Life isn’t fair! Life is full of evil! Pain, destruction, and broken relationships are common events. This is life today but it doesn’t have to be your life or mine. We have everything we need to, in this very moment, change the present and the future. All in the middle of fight that will get worse.
We are in this as a family. We can believe it is our soul versus the rest of the world but the harsh reality is that there are many who share equal or even greater amounts of pain, hardship, and destruction of what they value. Even when we do not look at each other, extend helping hands, or reach beyond the immediate we are family. In the acknowledgement of this fact hope resides!
Hope is brighter because of the darkness. In the midst of everything that is going on the living out of grace, mercy, and active compassion creates paths of hope that transcend any and all darkness! We hold each in our hearts where the cry for active living pushing our boundaries.
Things may get worse on the outside; I’m not worried, God’s family is working with you and me. Watch out Evil, we are going to win!
