“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. For in this hope we were saved…
“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. 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.” Romans 8:23-4,26-27
“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling… being burdened… that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-2,4-5
God’s word backed by God Himself gives His people an unshakable promise, a guarantee, a first installment with assurance that He will see it through. We are both saved and being saved, God’s Spirit in us our surety of salvation, His presence and power now, and the promise of our ultimate sanctification and conformity to Christ’s image. For today, this gives hope that fortifies the flagging, lifts the downcast, awakens the drowsy and slothful to vibrant faith. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; Hebrews 11:1)
At the moment we believe- and that by the germ of faith He implants- the Lord commences the work of firstfruits. Throughout life, Jesus remains our best prayer partner, encompassing us in His divine shaping and keeping. Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. How does this guarantee encourage us? We can absolutely trust Him to fulfill the destiny He begins and executes. (Romans 8:29)
When days meet a myriad of occurrences and troubles that when seen individually may not make sense, God with His magnificent all-encompassing perspective is working. What affliction cannot wean us from self-reliance and train us to rely on His strength? What conviction cannot burn away bad habits or compel communication and reconciliation? Instead of being shaken by what is unsettling in the world, would we be fortified by the Spirit in His ongoing process of making us like Jesus?
“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~George Keith (1787)
Increase my faith, O Lord, even as You make me like You.
As the rain and snow 