FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 8:21–22: Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
When God finished His Creation, it was a good Creation; but today it is a groaning Creation. There is suffering and death; there is pain, all of which is, of course, the result of Adam’s sin. Note the words that Paul used to describe the plight of creation: suffering (Rom. 8:18), vanity (Rom. 8:20), bondage (Rom. 8:21), decay (Rom. 8:21), and pain (Rom. 8:22). This groaning is not a useless thing: Paul compared it to a woman in travail. There is pain, but the pain will end when the child is delivered. One day creation will be delivered, the groaning creation will become a glorious creation! 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:21
Perhaps you find yourself today in a place of overwhelming pain, or sadness, or even despair. You may have a sorrowful groaning deep within. Maybe your agonizing over the soul of another family member or friend. Do not lose hope. One day all of this turmoil will be replaced by the eternal joy of being with Jesus in heaven.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Let the groans of today remind you of the coming glory in His presence.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard…Colossians 1:23
Dear Father, please keep me rooted in faith, hope, and love…in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 540). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
