Seeking Jesus First Dec. 16, 2024
A very famous and often quoted verse is situated in a very powerful context.
“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:22–32, NKJV)
We hope and persevere for the completion of a promise from God. While we are waiting in faith, our inability in the flesh to make the promises happen causes us to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We don’t even know how to pray the perfect will of God without the assistance of God’s Spirit which is with us and in us. We open our mouths and groan with the breath of Holy Spirit - giving sound to that Holy breath, a sound that our mind does not comprehend. But Holy Spirit prays through us and communes with the heart and mind of God in order to bring about that which the flesh cannot accomplish.
Our faith remains in God who will use these prayers of the Spirit to work everything together for our good. And as we pray, we are comforted by the Spirit of God who reminds us that Our Heavenly Father did not withhold even His very own son, but gave Him up for our salvation, deliverance, healing an provision. Furthermore, Holy Spirit reminds us in this passage to keep our faith in Our Heavenly Father, who, with His Only Begotten Son, also freely gave us all things. So keep your faith in the promises of God today and pray with the Spirit and with the understanding, trusting that it will all work together for our good.