For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And 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. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:22-25
Paul moves from creation’s groaning to our own, comparing it to birth pains. Birth pains aren’t pointless—they’re purposeful, moving toward new life. That encourages me in a culture that urges me to escape or flee whenever pain appears. There are parallels in today’s conversations around mental health and burnout. We talk often about coping and stabilizing, but rarely about purposeful transformation that pain can produce. Paul reminds me that hope is not wishful thinking but patient expectation. Still, waiting doesn’t come naturally to us. Our phones, laptops, schedules, and expectations condition us to feel inconvenienced by even brief delays. But God seems far more comfortable working on His (albeit sometimes slow) timelines that cultivate trust rather than speed.
APPLICATION
Today I will lean into patient expectation by choosing one thing I normally rush—like a task, a conversation, a prayer, or even my quiet time—and intentionally slow down to let God work in me during the waiting.