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. Rom. 8:22–24
Heavenly Father, Paul’s description of our intense longing for Jesus’ return as the pain of childbirth is strangely encouraging. Along with creation, we’re pregnant with glory, and we’re gonna go “full term.”
We will be like Jesus, and everything in the cosmos will be made right, new, and beautiful. Even though there’s no epidural or anesthesia to eliminate the pain of life in this fallen world as fallen people, we have this sure, living, glorious hope.
One Day the entire earth will be filled with the knowledge of your glory. One Day the barren places will be forested with hand-clapping trees. Desolate hills and mountains will sing and shout with incomparable joy (Isa. 55:12).
Father, one Day your tear-wiping hand will complete its work. Death, mourning, crying and pain will be gone forever (Rev. 21:4). Because of this grand hope, we choose not to tune out, numb out, or check out. We choose to show up—living as characters and carriers of your grace-story of redemption and restoration.
With Jesus sovereign over all things, your Spirit working in every place, and your peace ruling in our hearts, we enter this August Tuesday, groaning and hopeful. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.
