God has given us “the firstfruits of the Spirit”—the downpayment and assurance of our full inheritance as his children. So we “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly” for Jesus to return to complete his work in us, and finish making all things new all around us. (Expanded translation of Romans 8:23)
Abba, Father, sometimes our ache is more real than our hope, and waterless angry tears start pooling around our feet. Enough doesn’t feel like it’s enough, and sufficient grace seems quite insufficient. The wait becomes a weight we cannot bear, and our expectant cry, “How long, O Lord?” becomes a frustrated blurt, “Really, God?”
How we “steward” those moments, days—sometimes months and years, is critical, health-impacting, and life-defining. Thank you for being the “Father of compassion, multiple mercies, and God of all comfort”—when that’s real and sweet to us, and when it’s an affirmation we only make by distant memory and faith.
When our defeated enemy starts chirping and muttering, whispering and screaming out lies like he did in Eden—you hold us tight, Abba, hold us tighter And when Ulysses-like sirens sing to us of a relief they cannot give, turn up the volume on the greatest song ever—your Spirit bearing witness to our spirit of our belovedness as your children and your faithfulness as our Father. We are tied to the mast of the Gospel with cords of your steadfast love and tenderness. Hallelujah!
Lastly, bring us or send us to brothers and sisters who have gone before us in this journey of suffering and waiting—those who can share their stories, listening, and encouragement. Sweet, gentled saints who bear the marks of normal suffering in a fallen world—and carry the wounds of unjust harm by the hands of evil—they are a gift beyond calculation. Thank you, Abba, and So Very Amen.
