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
When illness strikes and pain is almost unbearable, it seems as though the whole earth is twisted and out of order. And do you know something? You are right. This can be especially true for those who have experienced the first fruits of the Spirit. These are the ones who live life in good order, pray to God morning and evening, and pay attention to our neighbor. Yet when illness or disaster strikes, these good people wonder what in the world went wrong.
It is at times like these when God acts and adopts us according to his will. God says, "You are mine. You belong to me. I will fill you with hope and save you. And I will be right there, filling you with my own Spirit. When you run out of prayers, I will take over. I will fight the battle for you."
Prayer
Lord, I commend myself to you this day, this night, all the time. In the name of Christ. Amen.