Romans 8:14-17
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:14-17 (NLT)
Imagine being born into a dysfunctional family or one that didn’t care for you at all. Imagine being in a family with no hope or without a father figure. Imagine feeling completely alone. Then along comes a wealthy, generous, loving, and kind soul who offers to adopt you. All you have to do is follow him or her and agree to be their child. Sounds too good to be true, right? It’s not. This is what happens to everyone who chooses to enter God’s family.
Maybe some of you don’t have to imagine the above scenarios. Maybe they’re a reality for you. These verses hit close to home as I worry about raising my 19-month-old son without his earthly father. Many of you know that my husband had been battling cancer this past year. Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in August. I never dreamt I’d be a widow in my 30s trying to fill the shoes of both a mother and father. But thankfully I’m not alone. I have no doubt that God will fulfill the father role for my son somehow.
How lucky are we that help is only a simple “Yes, I will follow You” away? It doesn’t mean the road will be easy. We’re all going to suffer as mentioned in verse 17. Trials like broken families and cancer plague this earthly world, but remember that this is not our home. Someday we’ll be pain-free with our Father in heaven. After all, we are “heirs of God’s glory”.
Questions for Reflection:
- When you think of your family, do God and His followers come to mind?
- Why or why not?
- How can you tap into this abundant resource?
Prayer
Dear Abba, Thank you for adopting us. Help us to feel fulfilled and loved, regardless of our earthly circumstances. Comfort us in our suffering. May we be worthy heirs to your kingdom. Amen.
Side Note:
Thank you to all who have supported me through this trying time. I am so grateful for your prayers and kindness. What a wonderful church we have in Southwood.
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