Romans 8:15-17 It's An Adventure

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him! (Romans 8:15-17 MSG)

Observation:

Paul is beckoning Roman Christians to grab hold of the life that God has given to them; Life Abundant! I imagine it would be hard to grasp abundant life in a culture that persecuted Christians with death. But Paul also challenges our idea of abundant life by excitedly explaining that we will go through hard times and good times with Christ. The abundance, the peace, the joy, the thrill, is that we do it with Christ, so there is nothing to fear.

Application:

Since I have become a Christian I have been on a grand adventure. However, many of those adventures have been scary, hard, and even painful. It reminds me of riding on the back of the Harley with Tim. It is scary and thrilling at the same time. Tim instructed me when I first got on the bike to hold on to him and follow what he does. When he leans I lean. I don't have to anticipate his next move, I just let go and let my body naturally follow his lead. Soon I become comfortable enough to enjoy the ride. It is that way with the Holy Spirit, we are riding this journey together, He is driving, and I am following His lead, and wherever He takes me is what gives God the most pleasure.  As a side note I still don't like to go fast, but sometimes God and Tim drive that way anyway :)

Prayer:

Father thank You for calling me on this incredible adventure. I've seen amazing things and met incredible people. I've cried so hard I didn't think there were any tears left and laughed just as hard. You've given me life abundant. I love YOU!