I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:18-26

Scripture Notes

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A change in power, a transition in life, or a new chapter beginning are all representative of significant life changes, and often, if not always, we struggle with adapting to a new environment. Here we find Moses passing over the mantle of leadership to Joshua.  This change is not unknown to the people of Israel; they have been preparing for it for some time, but they remain apprehensive.  Moses had led the people for so many years that the purpose was lost behind the adoration of the person.  Instead of Moses leading the people, God will go before them, again, reclaiming his rightful place as the ultimate leader and something the people of Israel had lost there proper perspective of more than once.

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MEMORY VERse

Gustave Doré. Cloud in which figures float, 1842 – 1883. The Rijksmuseum

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Related Verses

More verses about prayer and intercession:

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Prayer Invitation

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Application Questions

• How do you currently experience God’s redeeming love in the midst of difficult circumstances? 
• How can remembering this future glory help you persevere through present suffering? 
• How can we actively seek the Spirit’s help in prayer?

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Cover Image: Jean-Jacques Henner. Young Woman Praying, Date Unknown. The Metropolitan Museum of Art