"And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."

At times, life can be very hard. Whoever has lived a long time knows this. At the same time, even our worst nightmares are just practice runs for our great redemption. Our most lonely times are when we are waiting to be brought into the presence of the King of Ages. With the Spirit living inside us, we know where our lives will end up, no matter where we are in the drama of life at the moment. So let's live like people who know where they're going but haven't gotten there yet, not like people who have made the present their home and put their hope in it. Our best days are still to come!

Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we can be sure of a greater glory to come (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5). The Spirit is the first sign of the glory that will be shown through us (Romans 8:18). Our current situation is just a taste of what's to come. We long to be dressed in our heavenly home and to be at home with God (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).