May 25, 2018 Friday

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:22-27 NKJV)

            Groaning!  Creation groans at all the blood which has been shed from the time of Abel until now!  The rampant sin and warfare cause the destruction of the people involved, the world itself but also so many who are desensitized to killing and do not value people.

            Because of Jesus the pain of creation rent by volcano’s, earthquake’s, various storms, nuclear weapons and the blood of so many has been redeemed into birth pains.  The Bible tells us the pain of childbirth is lessened by the birth of the child! 

            Paul is teaching us that the suffering of Creation and humanity can be an investment if it leads us to birth into a new life!  The depth of sin delays the new birth of Creation as God waits so each person has an opportunity to choose redemption and life over meaningless suffering!

            The answer to the groaning begins with hope!  We may want to disagree and say faith is the first and most important thing but without hope faith is impossible.  Hope is the ground which nourishes the seed of faith so it can grow into a plant and produce the fruit of love.  The fruit of love has a seed in it which will plant faith into the ground of the life of others.

            But we groan too!  At times our pain and suffering make it hard for us to pray because we are so upset and groan in pain.  The Holy Spirit steps in and shares our groans in the form of a prayer.  When the Holy Spirit groans for us we don’t just get an answer but we also receive a renewal each time as God reveals more of Himself to us!

            Do you take the groaning of your life to God?  Have you ever experienced a time in prayer when you didn’t know what to pray?  What can you do about the groaning of Creation?

            Friday was a rough day, but Bonnie and I had our devotion and prayer.  There is so much to pray for and about.  I use maps from different continents and countries to pray for not just countries but even cities.  This helps me organize my prayer time but I still will left up anything I believe God is leading me to pray for or about.  Bonnie’s Mom and Jonathan came for supper and we have a great time!

I saw they put a notice on blogs warning about cookies which seems to be in response to a European law.  Please know I do not do anything that will add cookies or in any way interfere with your computer.  I would no more hurt you than I would like to be hurt in such a way!