The Chicken and the Egg

2 quotes today that I have read recently that make me feel hopeful--both by God's messengers.  Faith and hope go together.  In fact sometimes, it's  hard to know which comes first and which leads to the other.

"As members of the church, if we chart a course leading to eternal life; if we begin the processes of spiritual rebirth, and are going in the right direction. . . then it is absolutely guaranteed--there is not question whatever about--we shall gain eternal life.  Even though we have spiritual rebirth ahead of us, perfection ahead of us, the full degree of sanctification ahead of us, if we chart a course and follow it to the best of our ability in this life, then when we go out of this life we'll continue in exactly that same course.  We'll no longer be subject to the passions and the appetites of the flesh.  We will have passed successfully the tests of this mortal probation and in due course we'll get the fullness of our Father's kingdom--that means eternal life in his everlasting presence."  Bruce R. McConkie  Speeches of the Year 1976 BYU

"To the individual who is weak in the heart;  fearful in the heart:  Be patient with yourself.  Perfection comes not in this life, but in the next life.  Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but demand of yourself improvement.  As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference."  Elder Russell M. Nelson Video Segment for the Plan of Salvation Lesson--New Youth Curriculum

It's encouraging to think that faith and direction determine my ultimate destination; not how close I am to perfection right now.

"Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith."  Ether 12:9

"Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest."  Alma 13:29

Even when I have faith, I still need to hope that I am good enough; that I will overcome and accomplish; that God will accept and forgive me.  Some days that's easier than others.