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Romans 8:17

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.

In my sophomore year in high school, I was part of a great basketball team. We finished the season with 24 wins and only two losses. I was on the team, suited up for every game, but quite honestly, I didn’t contribute significantly to any of the wins. I did share in the “sufferings” of practice running the opposing team’s offenses and defenses. And I got to share in all the glory—the fun of winning, the trips, accolades, press, and applause—of being on a winning team.

When I am a child of God, I am a part of the team. My “sufferings” are minor compared to the One who leads this team. Whatever I encounter pales to his work on the cross. But here’s an amazing truth…I get to share in his glory! He was “declared to be the Son of God in power… by his resurrection from the dead” (Rom 1:3), and I get to share in that resurrection power. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in me! And by that “Spirit of adoption as sons,” I can call God my Father; even “Abba, Father.”

It gets better. One day the Spirit “will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil. 3:21 NIV). Because of Christ, I will live forever in heaven with a resurrected body. No more tears, pain, loss, diseases, or death. The old order of things will be in the rearview mirror. I will share in his glory forever. Be encouraged! The best is yet to come.

Father, thank you for adopting me into your eternal family. Thank you for the privilege to be called an heir and fellow heir with Christ. May I live every day demonstrating my thankfulness for the future glory that is mine. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

First Miracle