Romans 8:26-30 ESV

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

It’s tough to be in a situation where you don’t know what to do next. In fact, we all have been there some times in our lives. As I was reading through this text this morning, a question popped up – what do I do when I don’t know what to do? As Christians, this must be something we always ask God – what do I do now, God?

Romans 8:26-30 gives us some things we can do when we don’t know what to do:

1. Pray in the Spirit. 

Now we might have different interpretations with the phrase, “Praying in the spirit,” but let’s take this verse and see it through the lens of praying what the Spirit of God wants us to pray.

Personally, I would see this as speaking in tongues. Groanings too deep for words means it is unintelligible but with deep emotions. The gift of speaking in tongues (or praying in the Spirit) has helped me navigate through the tough times of our lives. Knowing that the Spirit of God intercedes for me is an assuring thought. Romans 8 talks about how the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God therefore when we pray in the Spirit, we pray what God wants and God’s will. That’s why praying in the Spirit is such an extraordinary gift of the Spirit.

2. Rely on God’ goodness

God is good all the time and all the time…..God is good. I hope we say that not because it’s a song we sing but because we truly believe that God in His goodness works all things out for good to those who are called according to His purpose.

3. Know that it is a journey of faith.

I want to quote the last few verses from our text today directly:

²⁹ For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn^[n] among many brothers and sisters.³⁰ And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

Verses 29-30 show the concept of how God transforms us from justification to sanctification and glorification. These are the three conceptsI’ve blogged about last week.

When we don’t know what to do – we go back and preach the gospel to ourselves – that God has chosen me (justification), is transforming me and is not done with me (sanctification) yet till the day He victoriously returns.(glorification)