1-YOU ARE NOT EXPECTED TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD IN EVERY SITUATION
This text says it’s OK not to know. There is one who knows. And he is praying the way one ought to pray who knows. Don’t add to your burdens the worry that you don’t know all the will of God.
2- YOU ARE NOT BEING WATCHED, YOU ARE BEING UNDERSTOOD
God is searching your heart, and he is finding in your holy groanings a meaning deeper than words – the meaning of the Spirit himself.
3- IN YOUR WEAKNESS, LOSS AND HARDSHIP, THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS PRAYING FOR YOU AND NOT AGAINST YOU
In verse 31 we will hear Paul exult: “If God is for us, who is against us?” And here we see part of that great “for us” in verse 26. The Spirit intercedes FOR us, not against us. Be encouraged that as you cling to Christ and groan for his exaltation in your uncertainty and pain, the Spirit is for you and not against you.
4- GOD’S WORK FOR YOU IS NOT LIMITED TO WHAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND
Be glad that God is able to do exceedingly above all that you ask or think. Your thinking, especially in times of stress, is not the limit of God’s acting. And be glad that there is a peace that passes all human understanding. God is not limited by your limited mind.
5- BE ENCOURAGED THAT GOD THE FATHER HEARS THE PRAYER OF THE SPIRIT This prayer is for you. And it is always heard! Always answered, God does not reject the prayers of God.
Troy & Kate Roper
Kate is a native of the Pacific Northwest, former attorney who now negotiates with her kids and over-volunteers locally and nationally. She posted an article on July 19, 2016 in response to the conversation regarding Black Lives Matter. Read her letter here.
Let’s follow God’s Word in the way we relate to others in our world.
Hate what is evil. When some people are treated lesser than others because of their skin color, economic condition, or language they speak – this is evil. This is something to be despised. This kind of treatment is something to hate.
Honor others above ourselves. This is God’s way. When we encounter someone who is marginalized, we have a magnificent God given opportunity to show them honor and respect.
Practice hospitality. Share with people who are in need. Welcome them into your life and bless them with your love.
Live at peace with everyone.As far as it depends on you, work to get along. Live in harmony with those around you. Be willing to associate with those no one else wants to relate to. There is unlimited potential in every soul. Potential that can be drawn out when we speak life and encouragement instead of discouragement and hate.
Agape is a sacrificial love that voluntarily suffers inconvenience, discomfort, and even death for the benefit of another without expecting anything in return.
Since God is the true source of love, you’ll find His love is active. Consider these effects of His love for us. It: 1.Brings healing. 2.Builds a sense of self-worth. 3.Produces a feeling of emotional completeness. 4.Gives security. 5.Helps us to love those who have wronged us. 6.Equips us to be kind toward those who have misunderstood or misjudged us. 7.Empowers us to serve others joyfully. 8.Enables us to develop an intimate relationship. 9.Drives us to reach other people and share God’s love.
