Read: Romans 8:18-30

A year or so in the past I read an article that said “Americans are addicted to convenience.”  At the time I questioned how true that statement was but this current pandemic has revealed that in Western culture we don’t do very well when it comes to doing without or being uncomfortable.  None of us would choose this current situation if we had a choice, but when we are going through something uncomfortable we always wait eagerly for future change and redemption.

In Romans 8, Paul, who suffered greatly and gave up much convenience for the sake of Christ, reminds us that our life of faith is like this too.  Before Jesus saved us by dying on the cross for us we were “groaning inwardly as we waited eagerly for our adoption” by God to be redeemed.  Earlier in verse 18 Paul says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  That glory is revealed in Jesus Christ.

There is no doubt that we like our conveniences here in the United States.  In some respects our choices are endless and our lives are pretty comfortable.  But what will we learn during this pandemic about suffering, loss, being uncomfortable, and doing without?  Perhaps we will realize that life in this world is sometimes imperfect.  Like Paul says, “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

But here is the good news.  In the midst of an imperfect world the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness (v.26).  In the truth that we are imperfect people Jesus has come to redeem us and save us (v. 22-25).  And in spite of all our suffering and addictions God will work for the good of those who love him (v.28).  If this time of inconvenience draws us closer to God and causes us to rely more on Jesus then perhaps we will look back on 2020 differently than how we see it now.