All you need is right there within you
Stop looking above or outside for help
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18
This chapter opens with a hopeful statement about the reality of the believer’s life - because of the work of Christ, there is no penalty for sin to the believer (vs. 1).
Further in the chapter, Paul explains the conflicts between the believer whose mind is not yet transformed, and so he still thinks from his “natural” consciousness. He does not yet have the consciousness of the holy spirit dwelling in him, so he lives below his true state.
Paul says such a one will experience death or ruin or corruption. This is not a physical death (though I’m not sure if it is excluded because when the mind feeds from the natural, he can make wrong choices that can result in physical death), but it is a decline in fellowship with the father.
The more you let your limited senses rule you, the more you see less of your true self and identity in Christ.
Towards the 17th verse, there is a promise that as heirs of God’s glory, we will share in Christ’s glory, but not only that, we will also share in his suffering.
Verse 18 assures us that this suffering we will share in is in no way comparable to the glory that we will receive!
Do you realize your suffering and weaknesses are not out of place?
The same way the created universe is in pain and misery from the fall, that’s the same way the believer is in pain, hoping to be free (vs. 22-25).
Yes, God knows this, and he understands us when we don’t even understand ourselves anymore.
When we have tried everything and are tired, he understands what we feel.
He didn’t leave us without help.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
(vs. 26).
The part where the Holy Spirit helps us in prayers is just AN EXAMPLE of the many ways the Spirit helps our weaknesses.
What are the other ways?
You’d find out as you rely upon and trust him in your walk with him.
If we don’t retain this consciousness and turn to the Spirit that dwells IN US, we won’t know how to get help.
Stop looking above or outside for help.
Stop looking at the world and the news for help.
All you need is right there within you!