DATE POSTED: Sunday, October 18, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Palace View, Branson, MO when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. Please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org to find and read all episodes shared over the years.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:15-17 ~ 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
DEVOTIONAL: Have you ever noticed how naturally we communicate when speaking directly from the heart? When we are in our homes among family, our words are personal, comfortable, and honest.
I believe the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to use the word “Abba” for a specific reason. It reflects the confidence of a child who knows he is loved and accepted by his father. What an incredible privilege that the Creator of the universe invites us into that kind of relationship with Himself, one of deep affection and trust. The indwelling Spirit does not enter our lives to intimidate us or force fearful compliance. Instead, He draws us into the quiet intimacy of a home. Through adoption, God invites us to call Him “Abba, Father”.
Think about a loving earthly father. He brings us protection, desires our absolute best, and will go to great lengths to guide us toward true success. How much more does our Heavenly Father love us? Through His Son, Jesus, and by the indwelling Holy Spirit, God doesn’t just watch over us from a distance—He takes up residence within us.
In verse 16, Paul beautifully explains that “the Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Our relationship with God is far more than a routine religious decision; it is a permanent covenant. The Holy Spirit reassures us daily of who we are and gently aligns our hearts toward righteousness.
Walking Through Earthly Trials
Does this mean that believers will never struggle with sin? Certainly not. As long as we live in these earthly bodies, we will battle our fleshly desires. Yet through Christ and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, sin no longer has mastery over us (1 John 2:1; Romans 8:1–13). We can experience victory as we daily surrender ourselves to God’s leading and walk in obedience to His Word.
Paul is equally careful not to promise a Christian life free from hardship. Even in God’s finest earthly blessings—like the gift of marriage—we eventually face sorrow and separation in this life. But when trials come, we do not walk through them alone. The Holy Spirit abides within us as our faithful Comforter, Guide, and Advocate.
Furthermore, our present sufferings point to a future certainty. Just as Christ suffered, died, and rose triumphantly, His victory guarantees ours. As His co-heirs, any suffering we endure in this life cannot compare to the glory that awaits us in His presence. We are truly blessed beyond all we could ask or imagine!
TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Take a quiet moment today to examine your heart before God. Are you resting securely in the assurance that you are His child?
Without Christ, life leads to eternal separation from God. But in Christ, even our present earthly trials are anchored by a living hope—one that overcomes sin, survives the grave, and welcomes us into eternal glory. If you lack that assurance today, Turn to Him in repentance and faith, and discover the peace, assurance, and eternal hope that only He can provide. Rest secured in the reassuring promise of His Spirit.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Abba Father, Thank You for adopting me into Your family and sealing me with Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I allow fear or earthly trouble to make me forget whose child I am. Help me to walk boldly in the victory Christ purchased for me, trusting Your Spirit to comfort and guide me through every trial.
May we never take for granted the privilege of calling You our Father – our Aba Father, and resting in Your unfailing love.In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Next Steps & Resources
- Taking a Step of Faith? If today’s devotional prompted a decision in your heart, visit the To Know Jesus page, speak with a local Bible-teaching pastor, or reach out to me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray you find help and encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Christ.
- Explore & Subscribe: Browse past devotionals or sign up for daily email updates at NuggetsFromGodsWord.org.
- Find Community: I warmly encourage you to join a local Bible-teaching church. Gathering with fellow believers is essential for growing in faith, finding encouragement, and serving others as God works through His church.
