When Adam sinned, it started a sequence of events that made a world filled with contentment,

community, and harmony with God fall into a state of isolation, entropy, and brokenness. From that

point on, God sovereignly enacted His plan of redemption for the world, culminating in Christ’s

redemptive gift so that perfect communion with God could be restored. Sometimes we forget what

we’ve gained from accepting this gift because, while our hearts were renewed when we believed, we

are still stuck in this imperfect world.

Paul offers this encouragement: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth

comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us… For we know that the whole creation has been

groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves,

who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the

redemption of our bodies… 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.,, according to

the will of God. (Romans 8:18, 22, 26-27)

Paul's words portray the believer’s journey amidst the brokenness of this world while longing for

redemption and communion with God. Paul's acknowledgment of the “groaning” of creation, believers,

and the Holy Spirit resonates deeply with the struggles and sometimes unspeakable yearnings of every

human heart. The recognition that the world is not as it should be due to sin, and the longing for

restoration and redemption is a shared experience among believers.

The Apostle's mention of believers' inward groaning, while eagerly awaiting adoption into God's family,

speaks to the tension between the already and the not yet of the Christian faith. Although we have

received the “firstfruits of the Spirit” and experience renewal in our hearts, we still live in a fallen world

marked by suffering and imperfection.

The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf in times of weakness. He has the ability to communicate with

God on a level beyond human understanding and demonstrates God's intimate involvement in the lives

of believers. Even when we don't have the words to express our deepest pains or desires, the Spirit

intercedes for us “according to God's will”, bridging the gap between our finite understanding of our

present situation and God's infinite wisdom. Paul reminds us that while we may face struggles and

uncertainties in this present life, we can take comfort in the hope of future glory and the assurance of

the Spirit's presence and intercession in our lives.

By Paky Kramer



Paky leads APM Paving and has been at IBC since he was 9 years old. He and his wife, Traci, have been

married for 25 years and have two children, Caroline and Carver. He currently leads a Sunday morning

Bible study at Immanuel Tates Creek.