Father Show Me The Way
I write this Daily Bread on the day before Father’s day, after a great thought provoking discussion on how our own fathers affected us both good and bad during my community group’s Friday morning men’s breakfast. My daughter is just north of 2 years old and I have learned a lot about myself and my own father during this time as I grow in the role of dad. It’s a job that should have the description; “The hardest yet most rewarding thing you’ll ever do”.
One of the best things about my dad is how great he is as an advisor and mentor. He use to say ; “Just wait till you become a father, you’ll understand why I make these decisions or do the things I do”.
Two of the traits my father granted to me were fortitude and perseverance. He prides himself on making the tough decisions, staying firm to his vision or principles and following through to get the job done. I find myself doing that as well but we both suffer from stubbornness and too much self reliance. Essentially we fall short as all men do; thinking we can accomplish anything we want to as long as we are smart enough and work hard enough. That isn’t God’s plan. He wants the glory. That is why he consistently chooses flawed men, insecure men, men that don’t look like much to human eyes to further his kingdom. He wants and deserves the glory. This is a lesson that I am humbled by again and again every day as I embark on things like planning my career or searching for our next house. Often it’s too much what I can do, not what God will provide and what is best for his kingdom. Proverbs 3:5 teaches us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” With God on his side, men have accomplished amazing things in the Bible; but it was always so that his plans could be made true and so that men could be amazed by his glory.
I also take heart that God has blessed us with the abilities, resources and drive to do things; so even if we are leaders in our churches, workplaces and homes, we have to remember it’s on his timing and for the good of his kingdom ultimately. Proverbs 16:9 says “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Seek after whatever that goal or answer is but allow God to direct your steps so that you will end up at the place where he wanted you to be.
Michael this is a great Feed One Another. Thank you for sharing the insight from your life experiences. The verses really drive home our need to trust God to raise our families. As a Father of 4 I am so thankful we had God’s word to lead and direct us.
Something I struggle with a lot too – trying to everything by myself, being the man of the house as it were. But it’s amazing what more we can accomplish when we rely on Him as our own Father and follow His guidance. Thanks man!
michael… good stuff. so glad I’ve had the help, over the years, of the Body of Christ in keeping my kids growing and in love with Jesus.
keep after it, my friend,
alan
Enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing!