Navigate the tension between God’s miraculous intervention and the reality of suffering. Learn to live with humble confidence in the 'already' but 'not yet' of God's Kingdom.
In the Scriptures, church history, and our lives today, we see God intervening to save his people—yet we also experience the disappointment and confusion of suffering. How do we live in the tension of the Kingdom being 'already' here, but 'not yet' fully realized? God invites us into a realistic hope that laments and celebrates at the same time.
To develop a humble confidence in God’s power that avoids both the arrogance of demanding miracles and the practical atheism of expecting nothing.
I remember gathering with friends to pray fervently for Nabeel Qureshi. We marveled at how God had supernaturally used his life to reach thousands with the Gospel. If anyone seemed a prime candidate for a miraculous healing to further God's mission, it was Nabeel. Yet, at age 34, he went to be with the Lord.
This is the heart of the tension. We see God's power—I have friends who have shared credible stories of healings and visions that shaped their lives—yet we also see his apparent silence.
If we overemphasize the 'Already' (God's power now), we risk becoming presumptuous, treating God like a vending machine or judging those who remain ill or depressed. We can become 'spiritual warriors' who never show vulnerability.
If we overemphasize the 'Not Yet' (God's power later), we fall into a practical atheism. We live in our own strength, losing the expectation that the Holy Spirit is actually resident in our hearts. We become passive, reducing faith to a set of logical arguments rather than a living relationship.
Paul tells us that 'the whole creation has been groaning' (Romans 8:22). We don't deny the suffering, but we remain resolutely hopeful because Jesus rose from the dead. We look back to remind ourselves God *has* worked, look up to remember he *is* at work, and look forward to build hope that he *will* come again.
This framework allows us to pray in faith that God can do anything, while maintaining an open-handed trust that he may not answer in the way we want. Our goal isn't to force God's hand, but to be close to his heart.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us... In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings... We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God... Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
How does Paul realistically face the sufferings of this present age without losing hope?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit when we are in the 'groaning' phase of waiting?
What is the basis of Paul’s confidence that 'all things work together for good'?
When you look at your life, do you find it easier to believe God worked in the past, or that He will work in the future?
Holy Spirit, you give us joy, and you help us pray when all we can do is groan. Help me when I feel weakness or frustration with the suffering of this world. I trust that you have been faithful, are faithful, and will always be faithful. Amen.
Where have you seen God 'already' at work in your life or our community?
Where are you currently waiting for the 'not yet'—an area of persistent suffering or unanswered prayer?
How do we strike the balance between 'praying with fire' for a miracle and 'resting in peace' with God's sovereignty?
How can we as friends better 'weep with those who weep' without trying to 'fix' their theology or their pain?
Identify one specific way you can give thanks for what God has already done, and one specific area where you will act with courage this week, trusting God with the outcome.
Review your 'rule of life.' Do your daily rhythms include space for both celebration/thanksgiving and lament/waiting? Adjust one rhythm to better reflect this balance.
Check in with a friend this week. Ask them: 'Are you in a season of rejoicing or a season of groaning?' Practice simply being present with them in that reality.
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