Hoping

DEVOTION
ROMANS
HOPING
Rom 8:22-25

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Is not this the hope of all people? It is at least my hope, and that I am assured. But I cannot help but think as a child, how I hoped I would get a certain something for Christmas from Santa. One year it was a gas station, oh boy, that was all my little mind could think about. I wanted that gas station more than anything in the whole wide world, and I what an awesome feeling it was to rip off that paper and find my gas station. But what happened, do I not hope for the redemption of my body with the same degree of anticipation? I surely should and even more so, yet why do I not spend every waking moment completely enveloped in that thought. How do I get so easily distracted by the things of this world, things which have absolutely no power to redeem my body, in fact, things that serve just the opposite. What does it mean to groan inwardly? I hate the things I do that I should not, I know how Paul felt, I do groan inside over my inability to remain completely pure and holy within my own power. I know I have the Holy Spirit to empower me, and if I seek his power I have it, and my hope is sure. I know I should be patient regarding the coming of my Lord, the redemption of my body, and the awaiting Glory, yet I yearn for it to come, hoping I can overcome, hoping I can be the man God desires me to be. Help me Lord. I want to tear open that wrapping paper now, and find the redemption I am hoping for.