The reading
below is one of the most powerful in God’s word. Our temporary status and
nature is captured in the word GROAN. We seem to wait while we
groan? God’s Spirit involvement in our lives permeates the whole
reading. We read that “God causes all things to work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It
is God’s eternal purpose that we would “become conformed to the image of
His Son.”
Rom 8:23-30 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. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is
seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if
we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 26
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not
know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us
with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the
hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the
saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that God causes
all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are
called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew,
He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that
He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom
He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified;
and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
Thank You, O
God, for the way You put things together with us in mind. We benefit in
every way as we seek You with our all. Help us to groan in accordance
with Your word. May we eagerly wait for that blessed, living hope
You have promised. Help us to bear the fruits of the Spirit, as we are
conformed to the image of Jesus. In His precious name,
Amen.