Fathers

Happy Belated Father’s Day to all the dads, granddads, bonus dads, uncles, brothers, friends, etc., who pour into others and provide a fatherly perspective. You are much loved and much appreciated for all you do and who you are. 

Before I knew who I was, I knew I was my dad’s daughter. He provided my first sense of identity. From the time I could speak and share my name, I realized the name was not mine but his. I’ve carried his name and his protection all my life. He has shown me love and support. He’s provided for me when I couldn’t provide for myself. He affirmed me as his daughter. This is exactly what God does for each one of us. 

God, our Heavenly Father, sets the example for all fathers, but being human, they sin and fall short just like everyone else (Rom 3:23-26). God has always been the Father. He loved us when we didn’t even acknowledge him. When we ignored Him, He still loved us and made a way for us. He protected, provided and defended us. He knows every hair on our head (Luke 12:7) and made us all unique and different – none better than another, but with a multitude of gifts to build up His kingdom (1 Cor 12:25-28). 

What are we doing with them? While we are distracted by the need to be first or better, we lose sight of the fact that we will be judged on our works, not in comparison to others (1 Cor 3:10-15). We carry our own water and it gets weighed – we have to give an account of our own deeds. He is looking for us to do our best with what we’ve been given. His Holy Spirit will empower us when we give it our best (Eph 3:16). 

Our Father and our fathers, who strive to be like Him, show us better ways. They have plans for us to succeed (Jer 29:11). They make sacrifices for us (John 3:16). They love us (1 John 4:19). Whether you’re in a good relationship with your earthly father or not, don’t let the chance to spend time with him pass you by. Don’t have regrets, because none of us know how long we have (Prov 27:1). Take time and do your part. 

At the end of the day, we want to please God. He tells us to honor our father and mother that our days may be long (Exo 20:12). Don’t disobey. Forgive like Jesus did (Luke 23:34). Be blessed.