When Life Is Uphill - Pt 5

 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:26-30 ESV).

 

The picture I’ve attached is from August, 2021. Mary and I had finally gotten to a place with our health issues that we could travel. Mary was just beginning to recover from the major surgery of 2020 and Covid was under more control with vaccines and public awareness. I had had the first two of what would become six stents placed in my heart. Things seemed to be normalizing. So, it was off to a bit of vacation in the Smokies. This picture was of the sunset in Cades Cove. It was a fabulous trip. “All things” seemed to have been worked out for our good. Little did I know then that there was yet to be some more uphill travel in our future!

 

This realization taught me a great deal more about the meaning of the promise in our reading today. Christians sometimes have the best intentions but say the wrong things. In attempts to comfort someone who is grieving the death of a loved one, we have been known to offer platitudes like “God had a plan” or “She’s in a better place” or “His suffering is over.” All true, but perhaps we should simply imitate the Spirit with “wordless groans,” offering a hug and ongoing prayers.

 

The greater the degree of suffering on this earth, the more we long for the day when we will be with Christ in heaven, free from the tyranny of sickness and sorrow. In this passage, the apostle Paul seeks to encourage God’s people with both strength to get through today and a glorious vision of the future. He tells us that in all things God works for our ultimate good and his purpose. This does not mean all things are inherently good but that God redeems the pain and blesses us. This verse is more than a platitude; it’s a promise based on God’s enduring love. And, therefore, it can be a great anchor point in our journey. Trust God to do His good work in your life!