Romans 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (ESV)
Adoption. Belonging. Being chosen. These are not random actions. God was completely intentional. Christ’s payment for my sin on the cross purchased my privilege to call a holy and just and righteous Creator God, “Father.” “Papa.” “Daddy.” Endearing terms. Terms of reverence and respect. Terms of gratitude for His mercy.
However, belonging to a family comes at a cost. If I am truly a member of a family, I am a member in good times and in bad. I not only share in the bounty, I also share in the hardships. Why should I expect, and even demand, no struggles or suffering in this life, when Christ endured insults, misunderstandings, beatings, homelessness, betrayal, and such?
Is God’s constant presence through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling me enough? Will I accept all that it means to belong to God’s family?
Plea for Grace 
I love the feeling i get reading this post!!! Foothills is a huge part of our family, but CR seems to be the part about struggles, realizing that we need to share in all bounty’s, like Christ did.That is what a member of a family is. I dont know that i have accepted that until now> Thank you for sharing what is really means.. I think now i might go about things differently!!. Had an amazing conversation with Tim yesterday, we both had tears, Good stuff for sure, you both would have been proud of me.. Miss you both terribly so glad to hear all is good in Virginia!!!
Cari
would love to hear more . . .
taking the good with the bad, the difficult with the easy, the need to endure with the “wow, this is easy” is, I think, a life-long lesson. Don’t I wish it were easier 🙂
Cari, I just saw the most beautiful red cardinal in the tree just outside my window! His red against the green tree is striking! I am continually amazed at God’s creativity — why did He create so many different varieties of birds, other than the fact He is astoundingly creative and loves to display His majesty and creativity.
love you lots and lots,
bev