For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
-Romans 8:18
I look out and see the frozen lake with the sun shining on it. I hear the ice groaning as the temperatures fluctuate between freezing and thawing. It’s as if the lake is groaning while hoping of being free of its frozen cover. It reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Romans concerning nature:
For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now (Romans 8:22).
From the fall of Adam and Eve to the present day, the earth has been devastated and continues its downward decline. Yet, it too knows its Creator and how perfect the original earth was in the Garden of Eden. The earth will be made new to perfection again by the Creator.
Like the earth, mankind too, is groaning while hoping for perfection. But we cannot reach perfection through our own efforts. It is only through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the Son’s redemptive power, and God’s good will that we will be made perfect. While here on earth, God is molding us into holy beings so we can show His love to all the world. This doesn’t mean that we stand on a pedestal while he sprays us with gold paint so we shine. Rather, it often comes about through suffering so that we come to the end of ourselves and lean totally on Him for everything.
Suffering isn’t fun. Ask anyone who has broken a bone, or has arthritis – it hurts! However, we have the Holy Spirit who will strengthen us and gives us hope to do what God purposes us to do.
…But also, we ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23).
While groaning in our suffering, both physically and spiritually to live with God in person, the Spirit works through us to do the good God has planned for us to do.
What is so amazing about the Holy Spirit is that He interprets the groanings of our souls to God when we are in such deep despair when there are no words that come to mind.
…The Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26 & 27).
In other words, when life becomes so difficult we just want to go back to bed and pull the covers up over our heads, the Spirit helps us get up, and not only get through the day, but also be productive. He literally carries us through the day with His strength and comforts us and gives us peace through our suffering. He is our calm strength, our muse, and our production manager. We need to be sure to give Him the glory.
What we need to remember while groaning in our suffering, is that it won’t last long. Our time on this earth is just a blink of God’s eye compared to eternity we will spend with Him and other Believers. We can’t wallow in our discouragement, but rather, keep on hoping. I really like Paul’s clarification of hope.
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it (Romans 8:24 & 25).
So if you are suffering, it’s ok to groan, as long as you are groaning while hoping for the day when you can be made absolutely perfect by the Creator.
Keep on Keeping on!
