For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subject to futility, not willingly but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. Rm. 8:18 – 22. NASB
What Paul is pointing out, is that when Adam and Eve corrupted themselves through sin, God levied the consequential penalty upon the entire earth and its inhabitants – in addition to our progenitors. The perfection of the Garden of Eden is now denied to the human race until the children of God receive their reconciliation and resurrection at the end of time. And the remainder of God’s creations await that moment as well:
And not only 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. Rm. 8:23 ESV
The children of God already possess the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (the first fruit of our heavenly transformation), and they are assured of the consummation of that transfiguration. God has given us a hope that does not disappoint. But it does require our faith, which is bolstered by the love of the Spirit of God:
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Rm. 8:24, 25. NKJV
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Rm. 8:26, 27. NASB
So, in addition to strengthening our faith, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us through a supernatural prayer language that we do not understand, but Christ does. He takes up those prayers and stands in intercession for us as well. Thus, we are well-equipped to be able to cling to our heavenly focus – to the salvation promise of God:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to 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…Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Rm. 8:28 – 30. NKJV
God has always had a plan for your total and absolute redemption. Your part in that redemptive process, is to accept His plan by placing your faith in who Jesus is, what He’s done, and to do your best to walk as He walked. Then, God has got you covered:
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Rm. 8:31 – 35. NKJV
We are justified by God through Christ, who continually takes a stand for us in His Father’s presence. Yes, Jesus will condemn those who rejected Him at the throne of judgment, but that condemnation will not fall on God’s children. We get a free pass to heaven – guaranteed:
…neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rm. 8:38, 39. NKJV
We have a remarkable future ahead of us, which should motivate us to live a wonderful life now. We do that be marinating in the word of God so that we conduct ourselves as the blessed children of Jehovah that we are – living out our heavenly focus…
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rm. 12:2 NKJV
Goodnight and God bless.