In Hope We Were Saved

The People of God Set Priorities
Hope and Confidence Come from God
Hope for a New Day

Romans 8:18-25

The Message

^18-21 That’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.

^22-25 All 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 live within God's creation.  God's creation is not something done and finished in the past.  God is still creating. We are created in God's likeness and are still in endless process.  Hallelujah, I am not what I was. Nor will I be what I now am. I am an evolving creation of God.   Born to live creative lives, we have the capacity to build towards the realization of God's kingdom.  Live life creatively!

 

Pray

that with every movement, with every breath, you live a life that creates a sanctuary for the living God.  Pray that you will reinforce that which is good, encourage justice and forgiveness, walk in the Spirit bringing hope to all with whom you interact.