No One Like the FatherSample

As we conclude this Bible plan, I encourage you to know that this devotional does not come from head knowledge alone but rather from someone whose personal testimony includes a less-than-ideal situation with my earthly father. I know what it is like to be raised in a household where my earthly father was not present. I know what it is like to be marginalized and have statistics about the realities of your circumstances highlighted. But thanks be to God that his sovereignty is greater than our circumstances’ statistics and reality.

In the face of higher dropout rates, I obtained graduate-level education, culminating in a Doctorate before age 30. In the face of increased poverty, I’m student loan debt-free and gainfully employed. In the face of increased crime rates, I’m free of a criminal record, a licensed minister, and an active community member. I share this not to boast about myself but to encourage you in the Lord.

Reflect on how the absence of your earthly father has drawn you closer to your heavenly Father, just as it did for me. I made a conscious decision not to make excuses but to make adjustments. Regardless of the example we had, whether it was ideal or not, we can use our experiences to trust that our heavenly Father knows what is best for us.

I urge you to release any lingering resentment towards your father or the father of your children. Remember, he made his choices, and if you are reading this Bible plan, you already possess the strength to forge ahead.

Despite what may have been the circumstance with your father or the man who fathered your children, our heavenly Father cares and loves us deeply. He loves us so deeply that He sent His only son to die for us so we could have a relationship with Him. Jesus paid a debt we could not pay because our heavenly Father desired to commune with us as He originally intended. That is why there truly is no one like our heavenly Father.

I pray this bible plan has encouraged you and given you hope for yourself or your loved ones. I pray that you have a fresh perspective of the love your heavenly Father has for you. I hope you use this plan to thank your earthly father if he has been a great example, come to repentance about the adverse effects of his decisions, or even forgive a father to move forward for yourself.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving and caring for me in my lowest moments. Although my relationship with my earthly father may not have been perfect, thank you for being a perfect heavenly Father. There is no one like you. In Jesus' name, amen.