The Waiting

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, 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. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:22-25

Waiting can be hard.

Right now. I’m pretty tired. It’s been a long stretch of hard/good work. I’ve found myself counting the days to a holiday. You know that feeling? But of course I can’t just sit there waiting. There’s good work that needs to be done while I wait.

Easter Saturday. Is the in-between time. The waiting time.

I’ve noticed in the waiting time I sigh a lot more. It’s not quite a groan. But it’s close. Maybe it will turn into a groan after I read the news this morning. Waiting doesn’t mean nothing is happening in the world.

This is the time we live in. In the waiting time, the world still turns under its curse. Humanity still hurts and harms in the death-throes of sin. We who have the Spirit are struggling to stand firm.

But glory is coming. Resurrection is coming. As surely as Sunday follows Saturday. As surely as Jesus was raised, we and our world will be made new. So we wait patiently. Not as those without hope but as those that can count the days with certainty as we look forward to the glory to come.

For Today:

• Are you tired? What are you counting down to?
• What still needs to be done?
• Ask God to help you wait patiently, in hope.

Pray: Praise the Father that He is the God of redemption who gives us hope. Give thanks for Jesus who will redeem the us and the world. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others wait patiently and prayerfully.