Navigating UncertaintyNäide

Groaning

Paul talks about three kinds of groaning:

1. Creation Groans. If humankind's rebellion against God was the nuclear explosion, then our world's brokenness is the fallout. Natural disasters, disease, drought, famine, earthquakes, floods - these are all the after-effects of the sin of humankind. Creation was created good, and while it is now subject to the wages of our sin, there will come a time when creation will be restored.
2. Humankind Groans. When we see the effects of our brokenness - when we suffer or see others suffer- we groan. Instinctively we rebel at the incongruity of death and suffering, somehow knowing that there is more to it than this. Somehow we know something greater is coming, but it is not here yet! So we groan.
3. The Spirit Groans. Did you know that you are a prayed-in, prayed-for, prayed-through person? The Holy Spirit, who lives in us, is praying 24/7x365 days for us, lifting us to God. Especially when we suffer, He asks the Father to strengthen, renew, and restore us during our struggles. The Spirit's prayers are gut-felt, compassionate, and earnest. He groans with us and for us!

None of this groaning is in vain: Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.