No One Like the FatherSample

Today, I would like to let you know that we should not compare our situations to others. It can be easy to say, “If I had a father, I wouldn’t deal with this,” or compare yourself to those who may have had fathers in their home. If we are honest, even those with fathers can note some areas where they have let them down. Just because their father was physically present does not mean he was present emotionally.

I say this not to bash the fathers who are present but rather to help those dealing with the what-ifs of life as they pertain to their fathers. Romans 8 tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love Him. Even in a less-than-ideal situation with your earthly father, your heavenly father still uses it for His glory. We have to flip our perspective to know that His plan is better than what we had in mind. Who is to say that your earthly father’s absence didn’t cause you to be a better father for your children? Open yourself up to the possibility that the absence of your earthly father drove you to have a deeper relationship with your heavenly father.

I also am not condoning your earthly father’s adverse actions in your growth and development but rather encouraging you to have a faith-filled view of the circumstance. God did not desire for your earthly father to abuse or abandon you in any way. God gave us free will in his sovereignty, and unfortunately, your earthly father made choices that adversely affected you. I pray you can forgive him for whatever wrong he may have done. I encourage you to pursue therapy if necessary to address any adverse effects on your journey adequately.

As you evaluate your circumstances concerning your relationship with your father, know that forgiveness is for you. Trust the redemptive power of our Lord and Savior, who can heal you from any traumas and abuse, repay you for time lost, and restore anything missing due to the absence of your earthly father. Be encouraged to know that Jesus understands the pain of your experience and desires to help you through it. He tells us to cast our cares on Him, so it is up to us to relinquish them to Him as he makes intercession to the Father on our behalf.