Verse: Romans 8:22-25
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:
Waiting. *sigh. It can be such a drag. Most of our lives are spent waiting. Waiting to be old enough, waiting to graduate, waiting for the results, waiting for the bus ,waiting for a job, waiting for the next step in life – all this waiting can be so draining. This verse certainly does not fail to paint a portrait of the agony that waiting can bring upon us. As Christians, our angst is constantly remedied by familiar exhortations to “just be patient”. But, is patience just a matter of waiting? I believe that in verse 24 – 25 , God’s truth reveals that the real matter of patience is hope. Waiting without hope is idle and painful, but waiting with a greater hope in a God who has redeemed us from our own sin and adopted us as His own gives us the endurance to face any waiting situation- no matter how difficult it is.
Thought:
How have you been challenged in your season of waiting? How has your view of patience changed over this season?