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 The Message
Image by Crystl via Flickr“What’s next, Papa?”
What a prayer, Lord.
I lift this up as my prayer today.
“What’s next, Papa?”
I relish in the spirit of living expectantly of Your blessings and presence.
I turn my focus from only on what is wrong to fixing my eyes on You, my father.
“What’s next, Papa?”
You fill me with hope and giddy anticipation.
I lay on Your altar, my fears, worries, and doubts, so I can run empty-handed to embrace the life You’ve given me.
“What’s next, Papa?”
My self-image is full of lies. My ego causes me to stumble. My over-thinking and feeble attempts to control life betrays me and falsely condemns me.
You have redeemed me and confirm who I really am – Your child.
And there is not better place to be or person to become.
“What’s next, Papa?”
Several of you mentioned The Message. I don’t use this translation as my first reading but use it to enhance whatever verse I am reading. There are times it just doesn’t do it for me then other times a phrase like What’s next Papa? leaps from the pages straight into my heart. Thanks for all the comments
I love the childlike trust and eagerness of “What’s next, Papa?” Mind if I use it?? =)
I’m not usually a big fan of The Message Jean, but I’ll agree that this is wonderful. Defining ourselves in that Holy Relationship truly places our lives in the right context.
Have a Blessed Day!
Living expectantly, with joyful anticipation instead of dread. Now there’s a thought!
I’ve been using The Message this year in my devotional reading. The unfamiliar paraphrasing has been an incredible blessing, helping me hear God’s words in unexpected ways. Good stuff.
I lobe the phrase you use that we are not given a ‘grave-tending life’ what a great description!
I love that we are asking similiar questions this week, Jeanie. It gives me a comforting feeling of community with you!
I love the simplicity of this prayer. will be one of breath prayers from now on.
What if we all asked that question before we started doing things first. One thing if we did ask Jesus first we surely wouldn’t make some wrong mistakes and less headaches.
I love the “adventurous expectant” meaning of “What’s next, Papa?” I will try to live that out this week. Thanks, Jean!