Creation Awaits Glory

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
Wisdom's Part in Creation

Romans 8:18-25

The Message

 ^18-21That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.
 ^22-25All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

For Reflection 

We are born in pain, live through pain and die in pain.  Although we may suffer, we live in the joy of the Holy Spirit anticipating the time when we can serve the Lord's purposes.  In God we find the transforming deliverance that spawns joy in the face of difficulty. 

Pray

for the patience to wait for the chance to take part in God's glorious plan.  Pray a child-like excited anticipation of the realization of God's Kingdom.