Romans 8:18-25
(OOPS, turns out I set the time to send yesterday’s devo to 7:30pm, instead of 7:30am – sorry!)
Scripture
Romans 8:18-25 (ESV) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Devotion
Have you ever felt a deep, almost indescribable longing for something more? Maybe it’s during those quiet moments when the world seems to stand still, and you’re left with your thoughts, or perhaps it’s in the midst of chaos, when everything around you seems to be falling apart. It’s a yearning that goes beyond words, a groan from the depths of your soul. This is not just a human condition, the groaning and longing for something better is something even the very world itself feels. Paul here describes this profound groan as the collective longing of creation for the day when God will make all things new.
Yet, here we are, stuck in the now, surrounded by pain, injustice, and decay, waiting for the not yet—the unveiling of God’s children in full glory.
But notice, this groaning isn’t a sign of despair. This is the type of groaning a mother has when she is about to give birth. The groaning we feel in the now-and-not-yet is but the labor pains of something new coming forth from God. Creation itself will be set free from bondage. We ourselves will be set free from bondage. It is a hopeful groan, filled with hope for the glory that is yet to come. It is a groaning that recognises that things are still broken, but that a change is coming. We live in a time of anticipation of what is yet to come, but a sure anticipation.
We know for sure that glory is coming, because it is a promise God makes to us, his adopted children. Our hope for the future is anchored in the very character of God and the sure promises of His word. We are people of the future, living in the present, guided by the hope of the glory that will be revealed in us.
So, what does this mean for us today? It means that whatever suffering we go through today is not in vain. It’s a reminder that we live in a world waiting to be restored, waiting to birth the new creation. This anticipation shapes how we live, how we suffer, and how we hope. And our hope carries us, knowing that the day is coming when every tear will be wiped away, and death and mourning will be no more.
Prayer
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Heavenly Father, in the midst of our sufferings and the groaning of creation, help us to cling to the hope of Your promised glory. Remind us that these present trials are not worth comparing to the joy that awaits us. Fill us with patience and endurance as we await the full realization of our adoption as Your children and the redemption of all things. May our lives reflect this hope to a world in desperate need of Your love and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Spiritual Challenge for the Day
Today, take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life or in the world around you that cause you the most distress or pain. Bring these before God in prayer, offering them up to Him and asking for the strength to endure and the ability to see them in the light of the eternal glory that awaits. Then, choose to perform an act of kindness or share a word of hope with someone who is struggling, as a tangible expression of the future glory we await.