Groaning in anticipation

   9-5-23
Groaning in anticipation
Romans 8:23 says, "But we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies."
The Christian groan can be expressed in many different ways. It can be the groan of prayer, the groan of worship, or the groan of mission. When we pray, we groan for God to answer our prayers and to bring about his kingdom. When we worship, we groan with joy and thanksgiving for our salvation in Christ. And when we go on a mission, we groan for the lost to be saved and for God's love to be made known to the world.
The Christian groan is also a reminder of our hope in the resurrection. We know that one day, our bodies will be redeemed and transformed. We will be free from sin and death and live with God forever. So, don't be afraid to groan when you feel the world's weight on your shoulders. Your groan is a sign that you are still alive and waiting for the day when God will make everything new.
Please pray with me: Lord, you know how often I groan under the burdens of life. Help me always to remember in my groaning your promise that one day I will be fully redeemed and transformed into the image of Christ. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen