“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (III John 1:4)
Today is Father’s Day and many families are celebrating that special man in their lives. Dads come in all sizes and shapes. They may be tall and thin, short and round, or anything in between. Some have thick curly hair while others may not have enough hair to justify buying a comb. Some dads are loud and jovial; others are quiet and shy. No two dads are alike.
I never doubted that my father loved me. It wasn’t as much the words he said as his actions that proclaimed his love. He worked hard to provide for our family, was meticulously honest in his dealings, loved my mom, and loved God most of all. In other words, he was one of many unsung heroes we call Dad. He started his day on his knees. What better example than to be a praying dad! Sadly, not all families are so blessed.
A father that honors God and demonstrates an authentic faith provides a place of safety for his children.
“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26, NKJV)
PRAYERFUL FATHERS
The Bible gives us numerous examples of godly, praying men who were fathers or who filled the role of a father.
King David was not a perfect man nor a perfect father, but he worshiped and he prayed. When the time came for Solomon to ascend the throne, David asked God to give him “a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things . . .” (I Chronicles 29:19, NKJV). That is a wonderful prayer to cover any child.
Job, out of concern for his children, “rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings” whenever they enjoyed days of feasting. He did this in case they might “have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts” (Job 1:5). This was a regular part of Job’s prayer time.
Mordecai, the cousin and adoptive father of Esther, brought her up to be a God-fearing young woman. It was through his fasting, prayers, and wise counsel that she saved the Jewish people from annihilation at the hand of wicked Haman.
Joseph, stepfather of Jesus, was a God-fearing man who found himself in a very unusual situation. Regardless of any personal sacrifices it may have required, Joseph protected and cared for Mary and the child Jesus.
Paul, a man with no biological children, became a spiritual father to Timothy and Titus, and perhaps several others. He nurtured, guided, and encouraged them in their ministry. Young men today need a Paul in their life.
Fathers—whether biological, adoptive, step, or spiritual—help shape us as we mature and grow. We are blessed when these father figures are godly, prayerful men. Today, let us pray for them as they have prayed for us. That’s the best Father’s Day gift we can offer.
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7, NKJV)
A FINAL NOTE
As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us also give thanks and honor to our Heavenly Father. Just as I never doubted my dad’s love, nor do I doubt my Heavenly Father’s love. His love is unconditional and unwavering.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
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