"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time..." Romans 8:22. We ache, we long for the consummation of Christ, for His final return. We long for Home. The 'birth pains' get greater as we get closer. I have given this a lot of thought, now going through two childbirths all natural. What an incredibly perfect depiction God has given us, as He always does. The contractions begin and they are quite uncomfortable... as they continue the pain and intensity increases and you have to keep a calm focus on what lies ahead - what you are enduring this for - in that hope, what is to come, you find strength - you find patience- you find endurance - you find courage. The pain intensifies to its strongest seemingly unbearable point as you work through transition and grow close to the actual birth. The very hardest time comes right before the sweetest time. The intensity of the pain and struggle intensifies the joy and relief. Sin entered this world and we see brokenness... depravity... hurt, pain, suffering. But the hope of what is to come, for those who are in Christ - sealed - children of God - gives us strength, gives us courage, gives us endurance, and the patience to press on, awaiting what we eagerly seek - our final redemption when He calls us Home.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, these birthpains may be arduous - they may even seem insurmountable, but take heart! He who has called you is faithful! "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19 "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. and hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his live into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:4-5
I feel the contractions of this world, of its brokenness. Sometimes the pain of the latest death, cancer battle, tragedy... render us virtually speechless. My heart groans and aches for the hurt. If we don't have this Hope to hold on to, then what else do you grasp? God's Word... it's either true... or it's not... Where does your security lie? What is your faith placed in?
No comments:
Post a Comment