Day 3 - So, You Are Fatherless

Being fatherless and realizing that you are fatherless are two completely different factors. I was fatherless for quite some time before I finally realized that I needed to do something about being fatherless. I could not just relax with my life and become one of the failing statistics. After realizing I was fatherless, I found an interesting book called Fathers of Influence. This book was very intriguing to me as a fatherless individual, and in it, I found the following quote to be very interesting:

“Our fathers, while they can be as nurturing and gentle as our mothers, have been entrusted by God with a far different task. Theirs is the responsibility to help us make something of ourselves, to teach us by word and example how to be strong, hardworking, trustworthy, responsible men and women of character. Even for those who succeed only in part, the results can be astonishing, influencing generations.”

This quote was great for individuals blessed with fathers, but what about me, I asked myself. I had to learn to find ways to be content with my situation. I had to accept the fact that I was indeed fatherless. This is an ongoing process that you, too, will need to work on continually. I challenge you today to give this entire journey to the Lord.

CHALLENGE:

The quote above can be disheartening. You may be asking yourself several questions, such as: Who will challenge you to be hardworking and trustworthy? Who will help you make something of yourself? Who will teach you to be a knowledgeable man with integrity?

The reality is that you may not have someone to consistently teach you as this quote states, but you have been given a unique life path. You have been given the opportunity to learn a wide variety of life lessons from several men. You have been given independence and trust in many areas of your life and in the many decisions that you will face. Being fatherless is not a fun situation, and it definitely is hard to manage, but you can get through it. As you prepare for this journey, start thinking about satisfaction.
What are the things in your life that you could be thankful for? What are things in your life that could be worse? You must accept the situation that you have been given and learn to be content. Follow what Paul shared in the following verse and begin to practice contentment in whatever life may bring: Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

ACTION:

Write out the things that you have in your life to be thankful for. Remember that your life can always be in a worse state than it currently is.

SUGGESTED PRAYER:

Dear God, I thank You today for the blessings that You have given to me. Help me to be content in this fatherless situation of my life. Help me to be thankful for the things that You have given to me and not to worry about the things I am missing. Amen.