Becoming an Intentional FatherSýnishorn

The Road Ahead

Over the last few days, we looked at six common roadblocks for fathers. Did we hit one that’s currently standing in your way? Or did we hit six?!

Did you find yourself nodding in agreement? Or maybe you found yourself dropped to your knees, asking God to remove that roadblock for you.

And that’s the real secret to this devotional. We must ask God for His help in removing these obstacles. We don’t have to just “man up” and do it all ourselves. God is our Father and He doesn’t want us to run this race weighed down. If we humble ourselves and ask for His assistance, He is faithful to give it.

I see a blessed paradox in being a father.

On one hand, I must strive, push, learn, grow, and give my very best effort. I must disciple my own children and love my wife as Christ loved the church. I should constantly be looking to remove the speck in my own eye. I need to be a prayer warrior.

On the other hand, I desperately need God to fill in the many gaps I’m leaving. I’m not encouraging, consistent, loving, or holy enough for my children. I have limitations. Many of them. Only God can turn my feeble efforts into something meaningful.

This paradox leads me to a place of freedom. I do not have to be the perfect parent. My oh my, what a fool’s chase that is. And, even if I could, look where that took God. He was the perfect Father, and still, His children rebelled!

But He never gave up on us. He sent His Son to save us and His Spirit to inhabit us. He continues being the perfect Father despite His imperfect children.

This leads us to the final thing all of us dads must remember. We are not parenting our children. We are parenting His children. One day, as they mature, we “hand them over” to God, and He’s their real Father.

As the saying goes, God has no grandchildren. We are stewards of their hearts as they grow in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

We’re praying that you run this fatherhood race well and unencumbered!

Congratulations on finishing this Reading Plan!

If you like this reading plan, check out our Field Guide called Focused Father and learn helpful tips to be intentional at home and in life.