“Groan” is a key word in Romans 8. We see that creation is groaning (v.22). The fall of mankind has even subjected the earth to the effects of sin.

We also see that Christians groan (v.23). Even those who have been saved must live out their lives in a world where pain and suffering abound.

We even see the Holy Spirit of God groaning as he helps us to pray (v.26). God commiserates with us as we live in this world filled with groaning.

However, God is seen to be working in all the groaning. 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even in the bad things, God is at work to bless his people. God does not cause the bad things to happen; but he is there to bring good even out of the bad.

God uses those who have experienced the pain of divorce to minister to those who are just now going through it themselves. God uses those who have experienced the death of a loved one to help someone else navigate their way through that devastating loss. God takes repentant sinners and makes them vessels of grace for others who need the mercy that is shown to us through Jesus Christ.

If we take the New Testament seriously, we have to take the groaning seriously. However, we also see that we Christians are blessed in spite of life’s groaning. V.31 says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Later we read—“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vv.37-39).

In this world filled with groaning, God wants us to know that we are still winners, victorious through Jesus!