For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.—Romans 8:22-25

In a perfect world, there would be no mourning. Children would not have to say goodbye to their beloved parents, nor would parents have to say goodbye to their precious children. Neither husbands nor wives would not have to face life alone, nor would children face life as orphans.

In a perfect world, there would be no sickness. There would be no pediatric oncology wards, no ICUs, no cardiac care units, no hospice care. We would not need doctors or clinics or radiology or medicine. We would not have to fear spikes in children’s temperatures, a grandparent’s exposure to a potentially life-threatening virus, or complications in pregnancy.

In that perfect world, there would be no pain. We would be free from heartache caused by loss, free from the excruciating side effects of chemotherapy, free from the crushing pain of heart attacks, free from the agony that accompanies the ecstasy of childbirth.

In a perfect world, people would relate to one another with kindness and grace. There would be no needless relational complexity, no pretense, no betrayal, no scabbed-over hearts. Everyone would be hardworking and trustworthy, and everyone would consider other’s needs above his own. People would be willing to share whatever surplus they had. There would be a genuine sense of community and shared values. Doors would be unlocked, and even the stranger would be welcomed.

In that same perfect world, every child would have a mother and a father would who love and nurture him, training him up in the way he should go. Children would know stability and would learn to acknowledge authority. Every child would be provided for, and every child would have a fair chance to succeed.

In that perfect world, there would be no terror by day or night. There would be no genocide, no evil plots to uncover, no murders, no school shootings, no threats. There would be no wars or rumors of wars. There would be only peace.

In a perfect world, we would walk and talk with God. We would never fear alienation from Him, and we would cling to His every word. He would be our life, our health, our love, our completeness and our joy.

But we don’t live in that perfect world. We long ago forfeited perfection for imperfection. This world knows mourning, sickness, pain, hatred, brokenness and fear. The heaviness of it all can seem overwhelming. But do not despair, my friends. Perfection is a breath away for those whose faith is in Christ.

What seems like the end is really the beginning. To quote Batman, “The night is always darkest before the dawn. And I promise you: The dawn is coming.” Pray without ceasing; make the most of every opportunity; always be prepared to give an answer for the hope you have within you.

This demands the perseverance of the saints, who keep God’s commands and their faith in Jesus.—Revelation 14:12

Your perfect reward is your perfect Rewarder, and He will make all things right. He is faithful, even when we are faithless. Cling to Him.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. —2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”—1 Corinthians 15:51-55