The groans of a life not yet fulfilled

There are periods of time where in some area of our life the fall, that thing that caused the world not to be the way it is supposed to be (perfect), seems to be put on hold. We walk with grace and ease, and sometimes it is even easy to think that we have arrived. That is not to say we don't commit ourselves during this time or work hard, but over all the direction is a positive one and it move fast.

The sad reality of this world is that does not last. In Genesis the section I refer to as the consequences of sins (rather then the curse as most call it) we are told that this fall will bring about thorns and thistles in our work and relationships will get messy. That does not mean that we walk around with our heads down looking at our shoes waiting for the sky to fall. It just means that when we are effected negatively we need not be surprised. The New Testament clearly tells us that there will be suffering, it doesn't say run out and find it, it just says it will come so don't be surprised.

I'm an eternal optimist. There is enough proof to me that God will be physically returning to this world and there are going to be lots of things he is happy about (those things are people...his children). The state of the economy, friends losing jobs and houses is enough for even me to get overwhelmed. Work is a lot harder than it was a few months ago. People are scared. I am scared.

Is this the chance for my generation to become anywhere near as great as our grandparents? They lived through suffering and came out of it truly to be admired for many things. One thing that I am certain is now is the time for the hopeful to live that way. I struggle with that. My bed has felt better than it has in years, all warm and quiet. Yet hiding away is not an option. God is at work, and I really need him to do work in my own heart.

Last night I was reading The Book of Common Prayer, which I feel like I'm still learning how to use, when I came across this prayer For Quiet Confidence:

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of they Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

It is very simple but that is my prayer.