“For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”  2 Corinthians 5:4-5

When we begin the journey with Jesus and receive His grace, the hope is that we are “all better” now. It doesn’t take long though, to realize we are not. The new reality of our forgiveness and new identity in Jesus Christ as His deeply loved child, is not completely apparent to others or ourselves.

For a new believer the disappointment can be devastating. The longing for growth into the character of Christ can be mistaken as despair under the barrage of Satan’s accusations.  The longing can be mistaken as a problem with God.

God is not done with us. The Holy Spirit Himself creates the longing to be like to Jesus. Now the Spirit is in conflict with the infectious decay of death. But we have this promise in Christ: our mortal lives will be swallowed up by life. Powerful language! We are looking forward to being  completely enveloped and engaged, as participants in the glorious life of Jesus Christ!