In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26 As we go through life, our propensity to strive for success and accomplishments often take its toll either on our family, work, or ministry. We either become physically tired, emotionally beaten down, or spiritually weak. Sometimes, it’s a combination of all three. Trials and sufferings are common occurrences in our lifetime. We don’t look forward to them but they happen just the same. They’re so common, in fact, that we should be expecting them, dreadfully perhaps, but expected anyway. But despite this understanding, it doesn’t help ease the pain or the suffering. It’s during these times that we need someone to come alongside us and help us carry our burdens. In Tom Rath’s book, “Vital Friends”, he and his researchers discovered that employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged at work. That’s a 700% increase in ROI compared to a regularly engaged employee! This means that friendships are essential to performing better at almost anything you take on. The Lord Jesus knew this even before the researchers from Gallup did. While here on this world, we are to do the work of the ministry but we were never meant to do this alone. Though we may have good friends around us, the Lord knew they would not be enough. So when He left, He said that He would send the Holy Spirit to be with us forever. We have been given a “best friend” in this world that knows us and is with us even during our most trying days. During these times, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness by speaking to the Father in our behalf. Despite the privilege we have as God’s children to approach His throne of grace through prayer, there are times when verbalizing our frustrations and difficulties become almost impossible. And so instead of speaking, we groan. We groan because of how painful our trials have become and how we cannot bear them any longer. During this time, the Spirit does not leave us. Instead, He is very much involved by interceding for us and yes, even groaning along with us. He is able to communicate to the Father what our groaning means in a way that only the Lord can understand. No matter how you feel about how effective your prayers might be, the Lord does hear them much more than you can imagine. Life is difficult and it was never meant to be lived alone. Even when our closest friends abandon us, the Lord never will. The Holy Spirit is with us forever to minister to us and be the Advocate that we need to intercede for us. Don’t let your weakness drive you away from the Lord but instead let it draw you closer to Him. He is, after all, with you forever, even when you groan.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 12:09:43 +0000