Suffering and Hope

The creation waits in eager expectation for the Sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and be brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 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 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.    Romans 8:19-25

I volunteered at the domestic abuse shelter again last night. There was a young woman who, at least for that hour, was the epitomy of this verse. The product of an incestuous relationship, she was kicked out at 16 because she reminded her mother too much of her father. Homeless and helpless, she fended for herself as best she could. She met an older man and became his wife. After giving him children and years of her life, this man decided to begin abusing her. Fearing for her safety and that of her children and unborn child, she fled.
Certainly she has the right to be bitter. She was not.
She wants more out of life. She wants to be successful, to help others, to be the parent she never had. She has HOPE. I pray that she has the patience that it will take for her to accomplish this great feat. Please say a prayer for her now, and for all of the creation that groans and cries out to the Lord.