Romans 8:22-27 (NRSV)
Read Romans 8:22-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; Verse 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Verse 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? Verse 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Verse 26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Verse 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Devotion
Being a Christian means waiting. It means waiting for God to speak to us, waiting for Jesus' return, waiting to see how the seeds of faith planted in baptism will bear fruit. It's not easy to wait, though, not when too often we want answers and results right now. Paul's words in Romans are both comforting and challenging: "The Lord has chosen you," he says. "You will be born into God's kingdom when the time comes." That's the comfort. But then comes the challenge: but not yet. We do not know when that time will come.
But we do not wait in vain, Paul says, and we should not wait passively. As we wait, God uses us to do God's work. How, then, should we wait? By bearing one another's burdens. Speaking the truth in love. Sharing what we have. Passing on faith to our children. These things bring God's kingdom a little closer, now.
Prayer
Patient God, help me to wait for your return with a joyful heart and with a servant's hands. Use me to build up your kingdom in some way today. Amen.