Groaning In Hopeful Expectation

My First paragraph with bold text.

Day 4  Groaning in Hopeful Expectation 

Romans 8:18-25 CEB  “18 I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. 23 And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.”     In 2019, I decided to begin playing tennis with the knowledge that tennis is a life-long sport. I spent several months taking lessons and practicing in hopes to have enough proficiency to play matches, get exercise and, of course, win. There were many groans in the process. My expectation was to take a few lessons, practice a little, and then go play a match and win. I was sorely mistaken after losing several matches, as I would swing and either miss the ball completely or hit it like I was playing baseball.   Looking at the other players, I thought, “They must have been playing since they were kids. I am never going to get this sport.” However, the feedback I received from the other players gave me hope. “Don’t give up.” “You will see the benefits soon.” “It took me a couple of years to really understand how to play well.” Their encouragement gave me hope to be patient in the process, to not give up, and to continue to trust and expect better playing will come in time.  

This is like what our scripture is telling us. In our infancy as believers, we have expectations of a life filled with ease and that glory is just around the corner. Suffering has been part of creation since the beginning and remains a present reality, but it is not God’s intended end for us. Scripture reminds us that as we mature in our relationship in Christ we are filled with the Holy Spirit and are in this process of growing together. We become encouraged by the Word and each other. This brings a sense of hope for what is to come. We do not see the reward, but we trust in, we desire, what will come. 

   Reflect: Where is your hope? Are you encouraging other believers? 

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of glory to come. Our hope is in you Lord. Continue to fill us with the Holy Spirit as we mature in a relationship with you and encourage one another to remain hopeful. 

  Aubrey Kennedy  Thirst to Thrive Women’s Study