
Ever find yourself groaning? We sometimes groan because of pain, or frustration and futility. Sometimes it’s effort that causes us to groan, or our groans almost become a sigh of resignation. In most cases a groan is not a pleasant sound.
The apostle, Paul, addressed this issue of groaning in Romans 8. Here is what he had to say…
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration… in hope that it will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time…
“Not only so, BUT WE OURSELVES, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, GROAN INWARDLY as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies…
“In the same way, the Spirit help us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, the Spirit Himself intercedes for WITH GROANS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Sprit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (From Romans 8.18-28)
There is groaning going on all around us… In fact we, at times find ourselves groaning! The good news though, is that “in Christ Jesus” we are never victims! He makes EVERYTHING WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD!! He can (and does) take our groaning – whatever the reason – and turn it into a prayer in keeping with God’s will! EVERYTHING WORKS TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND ARE CALLED TO HIS PURPOSE! We groan in hope!!
And what is the hope? Ultimately sharing in “the glory of God” Here’s how Apostle Paul phrased it: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us!” Then he described God’s process in our lives to bring it about… “He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son (Jesus)… Those He predestined He called… Those He called, He justified [made right with God]… and those He has justified, he also glorified!” Hey, we’re in process to ultimately be glorified!” To be “conformed to His image!” Take heart! His purpose for us is to take us “FROM GROANING TO GLORY!”