March 10, 2022

Romans 8:18-30 (HCSB)  From Groans to Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility —not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it —in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits —we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. 26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Wes Wynne
 Paul’s opening here reminds me of something I read in Chip Ingram’s R12 study. The word surrender is often associated with losing, giving up, or missing out. We don’t often realize there’s another side to the coin. It really isn’t about what you lose but what you gain. Paul reminds us that the difficulties we go through in this life don’t even begin to outweigh the other side of the coin, what God has for us, His goodness. You see, because of the work of the Holy Spirit we are not under sin’s dominion. To take full advantage of this work we need to align our motives, resources, and priorities to God’s perfect will, not man’s imperfect will. I know, this sounds like a big and difficult task. But here’s the cool part, God’s got you covered! Paul goes on to tell us we’re not alone because we have the Holy Spirit – Who’s there to help us in our weakness and intercede for us. What a relief! God has a plan for you; but it’s His plan, according to His will and His purpose. Don’t focus on what you may miss out on, focus on what God has promised for eternity.

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