Romans 8:22-25

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

As I read these words, there are two thoughts which enter my mind. Both have to do with children. The first is a scene of an orphanage. One of the children was a small boy named Billy. He had a twisted leg and was not able to do the things the other children could do.

From time to time prospective parents entered the orphanage to adopt a child to be their own. When these prospective parents arrived at the orphanage, the more gifted children would run and leap. They tried to show how healthy and fit they were in order to be chosen.

One by one the others were taken, but Billy was overlooked. He was not depressed, in his heart he knew that one day he would be selected—but it would have to be a special family who would choose him just as he was. He could only wait!

The day finally arrived. Billy saw a couple walking up the long walk way leading to the orphanage. He was struck by the fact that this couple was not like the others he had seen make that walk toward the building. The man had a cane and was limping. He was crippled just like Billy!

The other children laughed and leaped as they always did, but this time it was different. The man’s eyes swept across the room and saw Billy. Billy was sitting on a stool, but his twisted leg was still very noticeable. The man motioned for Billy to come to him. As Billy made his way across the room, he was struck by the look of sympathetic love in the eyes of the man and his wife.

The man lifted one of his pant legs to reveal a leg which looked just like Billy’s. He took Billy in his arms and told him that many years before he had been in such an orphanage and knew the heartache of not being chosen. He had spent most of his early years in an orphanage because he had been rejected. He vowed that when he was married, he would find a boy who needed someone special. He asked Billy if he would like to come into their home and be their son. Billy could only cry and hug their necks.

The second scene is not so dramatic. I picture a Billy in the back seat of the family car which has been traveling for many hours. He is so eager to see his new home that he can hardly wait. Frequently through the journey, Billy leans forward to ask of his new parents, “Are we there yet?” The reply is, “Just a little while longer. Be patient, it will be worth the wait. You are going to love your new home. We have prepared it especially for you!”

In like manner, we have a wonderful Savior who has experienced everything we experience. He has come to us and invited us to be with Him in His Father’s house. There is no need to be concerned about how long the trip seems to be or the pain that we experience – we just need to rest in Him and realize that our hope is in Him!

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.

- - - Pastor Cecil