Hope During Times of Weakness

Romans 8:24-26

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 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 words and groans that cannot be expressed. 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.”

          Have you ever found yourself in a place mentally, emotionally, relationally, and/or especially spiritually where you felt your Hope had faded to such a low level that you didn’t even know how to approach God because of your brokenness and weakness? There are times in our lives where God may allow extended periods of trials or suffering to linger, for which He has His purposes, but He may not allow us to readily see the immediate benefits for us or for others of that suffering. These seasons and circumstances can often cause confusion, frustrations, discouragement, and even anger or bitterness toward God on our part because of their difficulty and duration, yet God always knows what He’s doing in and through these trials and weaknesses within us.

           We know that we have been given the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us once we’ve received Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. We’re told here in today’s scripture passage by the Apostle Paul that even in the most difficult of times, when our minds are compounded with the trials and tribulations of this world, the Holy Spirit goes before us to our heavenly Father, and “Intercedes” (to speak on behalf of, to mediate between) for you and I, when “We do not know what we ought to pray for….the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Therefore, a most simplistic prayer on our part such as, “God, help me I don’t know what to pray, I just know I need You,” is sufficient because the Holy Spirit is already going before us in every situation as we invite the Lord into our circumstances, placing our ultimate hope in Him, waiting patiently on Him to move in His time and according to His will for our lives. 
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          Today, remember there is a purpose for our struggles, a purpose for our pain, and our Lord would never allow us to shed our tears in vain. He is with us in every experience, at every crossroads, at every turn, calling us ever closer toward Him, to cling to the hope only He can provide. Call out to Him, no fancy cliché’s needed, merely simple pleas from sons and daughters clinging desperately to a heavenly Father whose love for them is unconditional, immeasurable, and whose depth of wisdom is unfathomable.
 
Connecting Faith & Life:
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            Father, thank You for Your infinite wisdom into the trials and struggles of our lives, and for Your Holy Spirit that goes before us in prayer when we find ourselves within circumstances in which we don’t even know how to pray. Our true hope is ultimately found in You, therefore, we’re able to wait for You patiently to move in, around, and through our lives as You know what is best for us according to Your will. Thank You that we are able to boldly approach Your throne of grace in our time of need with simple prayers as little children would come to their loving father for comfort and assurance. Because of You, Lord, we Have Hope for The Journey. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.