Day 4 - Facing The Facts

The facts of being fatherless are scary stuff! Check out some of the statistics that are being said about us:

1. "90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes."

2. "63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes."

3. "71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes."

4. "85% of youths in prisons grew up in a fatherless home."

After finding these statistics, I am very thankful that I did not become one of them. It sure did get old being labeled with these facts when I was on my journey, and I am sure that you feel the same way. One of the most important aspects of this journey is realizing that you do not have to become a statistic, and actually, you have a chance to change the statistics. If you have become a statistic, then today is the day to turn it around and succeed through God!

CHALLENGE:

These facts are very shocking and could be influential in your life. The true fact is that you have the opportunity not to become one of the statistics. The act of a father leaving is very detrimental to anyone’s state of being. It has most likely affected your actions, attitude, thought process, and many other attributes of your life. After becoming fatherless, the most important necessity is to rely on God to get you through it. The wonderful thing about being a Christian is that you do not have to become a statistic. Romans 8:17 shows us that though we may suffer certain obstacles in this world, we have the hope of someday being “glorified together” in Heaven. Following this, in verse 28, we are shown that “All things work together for good to them that love God.”

The individuals who compete in the Special Olympics and Paralympics are people of all ages who have the facts stacked against them. Many are labeled as disabled or handicapped, but this label does not stop them from pursuing their dreams of being an athlete. Some have an intellectual disability, others have a physical handicap, and these events are ways for them to display their willingness to persevere despite their circumstances.

You have not chosen to be a fatherless statistic, but you have the ability to be who God wants you to be on this earth regardless of the statistics that you may face. You may suffer in this world being fatherless, but if you live for the Lord despite your circumstances, glory will eventually come, and all things will work together. Through your relationship with Jesus Christ, you can conquer the biggest obstacles in the world.

ACTION:

Write out a challenge for yourself of how you will not become one of the statistics. Challenge yourself with goals that can be easily accomplished. Continuously look back at your personal challenges and confirm that you are still achieving them.

SUGGESTED PRAYER:

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me hope in You and that despite the circumstances I may face on this earth, I will be glorified together with You someday. I thank You for giving me the understanding that all things will work together through You. Please give me the strength to face the facts of this trial in my life. Amen.