The Groaning

 

 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Rom. 8:22 NIV) This is such a beautiful and powerful verse. The word “groaning,” though a strong term, still doesn’t capture the intense longing of creation for the Creator. I see it in autumn, when the feeble leaves fall away. I see it in the ocean, when the waves reach for, but never quite hold onto the shore. Of course, most of all, I see it in people.

    

St. Augustine once wrote in his famous Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” It’s true. Until we find satisfaction in the creator of our soul we will long without reward and groan with no relief. Even when people attempt to fill the God-sized hole in our soul, they show evidence of a need for a savior. In the words of the band Needtobreathe “It’s clear enough to me, the ugliness I see is evidence of whom I need.” So, the next time there is unrest, remember that it is our nature searching for peace that only God gives. ~ Sophia Wise

The Wonder of His Love

The Wonder of His Love

“You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” – Jonathan Edwards.

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I think that most Christians today would agree with this quote.  If they’ve been taught solid doctrine, most people notice that it is by grace we receive salvation, not by works.  (Ephesians 2:8)  But I think that most Christians, in another sense, struggle with what this quote truly means.  I think that we can unconsciously slip into false concepts, just as someone might slip into a habit without realizing it. 

The concept of ‘by grace through faith’ can sometimes take a backseat to our fleshly nature that wants to drive us toward a stone wall of regret and dissatisfaction.  We can say “Jesus has forgiven me, I am saved by grace, because of His love,” until we’re blue in the face, but until our heart latches onto those words, they are merely words. 

It is not until the incredible restoring power of Christ’s redemptive love gives us spiritual life, that we will truly grasp what He did on the cross. 

Sometimes concepts like God’s incomprehensible love become incomprehensible in a way that separates us from God.  However, what the incomprehensibility of God’s love should be doing in our lives is causing wonder.  The very fact that you cannot ever, ever be separated from His love, whether you are alive or dead, (Rom 8:38-39) is amazing! 

His love is beyond our imagination, and that should enchant His children.  His love should move us to action and bring us peace in the same moment.  It both leads us to repentance by convicting us (Rom. 2:4), but also comforts us because we are no longer separated from Him by sin.  So let us be enchanted, moved, and inspired by His love.  Let us feel His forgiveness and love in ways we have never felt before. ~ Sophia Wise