Life in the Spirit: Groaning and HopingSample

THE PERSPECTIVE OF HOPE

When we live fully convinced of God’s care for us, our confident hope and expectation for His good plans give us a valuable perspective on suffering. A woman in childbirth labor experiences pain in the process, but she endures and presses through because she knows that on the other side of that moment, there is great joy and blessing. This serves as an apt illustration of our current human condition. The presence of sin in this world introduced the reality of pain and suffering into our earthly lives, but the promise of our ultimate deliverance reminds us that this is temporary. Yes, we will groan through the trials we face, and sometimes unexpected tragedies will tempt us to think that God has abandoned us, but these struggles are not a cause for discouragement. There is great joy and blessing on the other side of them.

Before going to the cross, Jesus explained to his disciples the everlasting joy that would follow the sorrow of his leaving. He assured them that the Holy Spirit would be there to guide them through the hard and into the inheritance. It is this hope of the Holy Spirit that continues to help us face challenges with a long view perspective.

Ask Yourself:

-When has the promise of a coming joy helped you navigate a difficult season?

-How can the guidance of the Holy Spirit give you hope even when you can’t see the other side of a problem?

Pause to Pray: Holy Spirit, even in the midst of _________, I know that you have good plans for me, plans to give me a future and a hope. Help me keep my eyes fixed on you and my heart open to receive your guidance as we navigate this season together and look forward to the joy that is surely coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.(Jeremiah 29:11)