Romans 8:23

Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

The fishermen in the photo above are all trying to get to that prime spot where the fish seem to be biting the best. Some are not quite to the hot spot and are literally groaning inwardly with eagerness to make it all the way to the prime spot that fisherman refer to as the honey hole. They have the required boat and fishing gear, but their quest has not been fully realized yet. They are waiting eagerly for the fulfillment of being able to drop a hook into that coveted honey hole.

In a similar manner, those who are in Christ Jesus have the firstfruits of the Spirit but are still on the road to glory that passes through the gate of death. While we have been adopted as children of God and experience the joy and peace of salvation, we still struggle with sin. We still experience pain and suffering due to the effects of disease, accidents, and aging. These hardships and trials that we experience cause us to inwardly groan as we eagerly wait for the final stage of the redemption process. This will occur when we receive our glorified bodies and our adoption as sons of God will be completed.

Although the journey is not over, praise God that safely reaching the destination is secure for those that are in Christ Jesus.