Royston First United Methodist Church

“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 4-5, Psalm 135

Can we all just take a deep breath as we acknowledge this has been a difficult week for our country? Political pundits forecasted for us that the election for President of the United States would not be decided on Tuesday night, but yet many of us (including yours truly) stayed up to watch the results come in. Even as I write this to you, the winner of the election has not been officially determined — and some are saying it could last for another week, if not longer. Through all of this, we have felt angst and we have seen hatred and vitriol in the comments and posts on Facebook. We are left to ask ourselves, “where is the hope?”

Paul reminds us in Romans that our hope is found in our suffering. Our hope is found in our weakness. Our hope is found in our struggle. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ. While we may not like the outcome of an election, we can still find comfort in this hope.

A few years ago, I was on staff at another church and we were experiencing some major troubles. It seemed like hope was gone. One night, as I was trying to figure out what we would do next, a friend of mine called and reminded me that no matter what struggle we may have, Jesus is still Lord! I have held onto that thought ever since. I don’t know what will be the result of this current election, but I do know that Jesus is still Lord! That gives me a hope that will never disappoint me.

Where are you seeing God in the midst of this week? How have you experienced hope beyond the electoral numbers? May we hold onto that hope and always remember that Jesus is still Lord — no matter what!

I look forward to being with you in worship this weekend beginning Sunday at 8:45 AM online and on campus at 9:30 and 11:00 AM!

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Matt