What’s Next?

“What’s next, Papa?” —Romans 8:15 (MSG)

The next time we read about Peter is in the book of Acts. He is healing a crippled beggar and boldly preaching at Pentecost. He and John are side by side, taking on the religious leaders of the day with confidence and courage. Acts 4:13 tells us, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” They were on their way.

They had indeed been with Jesus. Their relationship with Christ served as the foundation for their convictions. They knew who they were and were fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. It would be an incredibly hard journey, but ultimately so fulfilling to live out their calling.

I love the way The Message version translates Romans 8:15: “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?’”

How do you greet God each day? The truth is that the same resurrection power that Peter and John experienced is available to you. You are His child and He is your good, good Father. He loves hearing you ask, “What’s next, Papa?”

May you live with great expectancy as you reach up and take His hand today, trusting in what He has for you in each moment.  

– Len Vanden Bos, Buffalo Bills Chaplain