John Bunyan lived in England in the 1600’s. These were days of civil war. Church allegiance changed with kings and queens. Non-conformity resulted in jail time. John’s first wife, Mary, was an orphan who owned only 2 books and the cloths on her back when they were married. John, unschooled but a prolific writer, was a non-conformist in his faith and was hated by the established churches as well as the Puritans and Quakers. He was imprisoned a total of 18 years. Though his entire sad life, he battled with depression. To encourage himself in prison he made a violin out of tin and a flute out of a chair leg.

During this time in jail, he wrote a book that is still a classic best-seller, Pilgrim’s Progress. It is partly autobiographical – a story of a young pilgrim on his journey to heaven. In the 7th stage of their journey, Christian and Hopeful are tired and look for an easier road. They notice a beautiful meadow, jump a fence and are soon relaxing in the cool grass. Soon a terrible storm comes & they hide under a tree until captured the next morning by Giant Despair. He beats them and throws them into a stinking dungeon in Doubting Castle. They lay there from Wednesday morning till Saturday night without food, water or light. Sunday morning Giant Despair brings them a knife, rope and poison. Christian and Hopeful first see these as a way to end the torture and depression.

Suddenly Christian sits up, “What fools we are to be lying in this stinking dungeon when I have tied around my neck a key called “Promise.” I’m sure it’ll open any lock in Doubting Castle.” Christian takes the key from his neck, tries it in the dungeon lock - the door opens! They’re soon running free from Doubting Castle and Giant Despair!

Maybe your life is difficult – like John Bunyan’s. Maybe you want to use the knife, rope or poison to end the misery. Maybe you have a child like this. Tied around your neck is a key called “Promise.” Jesus’ words, recorded in John 14 will open any door in Doubtful Castle and allow you to escape Giant Despair! “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. There are more than enough rooms in (heaven)… I’m even going to prepare a place there for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me!”

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect. As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.