Devotion #4: Already, but Not Yet

“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:22–25  

Have you ever waited for something so long that it felt like your whole body ached? Was it as if you were going to die inside if you had to wait any longer? When I think of this, I picture the wife of a soldier at war, aching and waiting for the day her husband comes back on leave. Or, I think of the excitement of a new mother or father waiting for their child to be born. 

All of creation has been waiting for the redemption that comes through Jesus. Our passage says “the whole creation” has been groaning, but then it pivots, emphasizing that it is not just creation. It is also those of us “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit” who are eagerly waiting for our “adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” 

Within this passage, I believe we see two key themes: the future reality that is guaranteed, and the waiting period. 

The reality is this: you and I are guaranteed adoption as children of God because of what Jesus did on the cross. We are already children of God. We are also guaranteed to have the redemption of our bodies when Jesus returns. This is the beautiful picture of “already, but not yet.” We live in the assurance of these promises, even as we wait eagerly and hope for them to become fully realized. 

When a mother is pregnant with a child, she already has a child. The child exists complete with feet, fingers, and eyes, but the mother cannot yet see her child. She is already a mother, but she is not yet physically holding her child. 

In the same way, we are already children of God. We have already borne the fruit of the Spirit, and we will have redeemed bodies. However, we do not yet have these things in our hands. 

Let us take some time to reflect and challenge ourselves today: 

1. How do we cultivate patience while waiting for God’s promises? 

2. Patience is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s timing. Consider this: are you leaning into prayer, Scripture, and community as you wait? Are you allowing God to use the waiting period to shape your character? Challenge yourself to embrace waiting as a season of growth rather than frustration. 

3. How does the assurance of our adoption and redemption shape how we live today? 

4. Knowing we are already children of God should give us confidence that transforms our actions. Does this truth change the way you face struggles, treat others, or prioritize your time? Challenge yourself to live each day with the assurance that your identity and future are secure in Christ. 

5. Are there areas where we struggle to see God’s goodness, and how can we renew our hope? 

6. Life can blur our vision of God’s goodness, especially in seasons of pain or uncertainty. Are you taking time to reflect on God’s past faithfulness? Challenge yourself to find specific promises in Scripture and pray them back to God. Write down moments when you have experienced His goodness as reminders of hope when doubt creeps in.