When we were kids, we went to our friends’ homes and had a great time playing and getting out toys. And just when we were in the middle of our fun, our parents showed up to take us home. Every time, they said the same thing, “You helped get out all of those toys, so you need to help put them up.” It was a lot of fun getting out the toys, but it was never much fun putting them back up. 

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul is writing to the Roman church. He is focusing our sonship through the Spirit of God. Paul writes: 

The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16-17 CSB) 

God does promise that we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ. We are part of His family through the Spirit of adoption. What a powerful gift! 

However, once you’re part of the family, you have to take on the responsibilities of the family – just as a child when visiting in a friend’s home has to take on the rules and responsibilities of that family. Paul mentions both suffering and glory in Romans 8:17. You can’t be part of the family and share in the glory if you don’t also share in the suffering. 

In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby reminds us that God will guide us to our next steps if we ask and listen. But we are frequently sidetracked on this path because we think that the next step is supposed to be easier than our current step. There is no promise of that in the Bible. In fact, we are frequently promised the opposite. 1 Peter 2:21 says: For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 

God is welcoming us into His family and guiding us with His Spirit. But we must remember that our next steps are not necessarily a promise of peace. The promise is in our identity as a child of God. 

By Jason Grace 

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.