The Adoption

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 (NIV)

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I served You for years the way a servant serves a master he is afraid of disappointing.

I called it devotion, but it was fear wearing devotion's clothes.

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Then You taught me a different word.

Not master. Father.

Not servant. Son.

You did not give me a spirit that keeps me at a careful distance. You gave me a Spirit that runs, the way a child runs, straight into the arms of the One I used to only serve from afar.

I called my old fear reverence.

It was You, teaching me the difference between a house I work in and a house I belong to.

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Forgive me for the years I mistook distance for respect.

You did not adopt me to keep me at arm's length.

You adopted me to bring me close.

Spirit of adoption, teach my heart to run to Him instead of standing at a careful distance.

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A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for the cry of Abba You placed in me.

Thank You for adoption instead of servitude.

Teach me to run to Him like a son, not approach Him like a servant. Amen.

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