To read this text CLICK HERE

Romans 8:27-29,  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

This is one of those chapters that is so filled with important concepts and doctrine, it is almost impossible to choose a specific text.  Please be sure to read the whole of chapter 8 because I am just brushing the surface today. 

Paul has been talking about what in means to live life in the Spirit, a life guided by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.  This is opposed to a life ruled by the law or a life ruled by the flesh, or the things of the world.  In verses 16-17, Paul speaks about how the Holy Spirit is the one who gives us assurance that we are children of God.  At the time, the people to whom Paul is speaking were experiencing severe persecution for their faith.  Neither the Roman authorities nor the Jewish ruling class thought highly of the newly formed Christian communities.  Paul speaks directly to this by saying that if God calls us to share in Jesus’ suffering, he also allows us to share in his glory.  Besides knowing that we are God’s children, how else might we share in his glory?

This leads into today’s focus Scripture verses.  Even when our circumstances are dire (and they were for many of Paul’s listeners), the Spirit helps us.  Sometimes things seem so dark, difficult, or confusing, that we don’t even know what to pray.  The Spirit knows this, knows us, and knows the will of God.  Thus, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us on our behalf.  That means the Spirit of God will advocate on our behalf, essentially become our mediator, praying for us in accordance with God’s will. 

Because of that, we can trust that all the things that happen to us, all our life events (good, bad, or indifferent) will somehow work together for good for those who love Jesus.  That does not mean that all things will work the way we want them.  That does not mean that everything will go our way.  That does not mean that everything we pray for will come to pass.  What it means is that God promises to take the mess of our lives, the hardships, the crummy circumstances (those in our control and out of our control) and make some good come out of it.  It may take years to see the good; in fact, it often takes perspective before we see the hand of God at work.

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, thank you.  Help us see your hand in our lives.  Give us insight into how your promises have been fulfilled.  We love you and trust you.  Amen.