hope

romans 8:18-27

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^{h]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[h]} the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ 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. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

i usually read the first verse in that and stop. it's so true.... our present sufferings are NOT worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.

I always thought of Heaven and eternity. I always thought about how our suffering here is not worth worrying about because of an awesome eternity that awaits us. What I did not do was realize that God wants us to hope for more... not just eternity, but now.

Pregnancy is 9 months (or more if you're me) of anticipating a child... a life that will be brought into the world. At times pregnancy can be exhausting. At times pregnancy can be a pain. But, I was also definitely eagerly expecting what God was going to give me. And, I am SO happy with what he did give me!

Sometimes the process of life is like pregnancy. The difference for me is that I want change, but I'm not hopeful and I don't have that eager anticipation that I had with my pregnancy. I just want out of the situation that I am currently in.

After reading that passage last night I feel like some hope was birthed in me :) Sure, I want out of the situation that is hard and hurting, but I am praying for peace during the "pregnancy".... or hard time.

God is good. He has plans for our family. And, I am expectant! I fully commit to seeking Him and am eagerly anticipating what is to come! Yet, I will also enjoy the "pregnancy". I will follow God today and do what He is telling me to :)

Be blessed!