God our Father~

Before we move on with this topic, I want to address the issue of God as our Papa. For many of us in the DEVO crew, our fathers here on earth didn't or still don't measure up. Many of us have been hurt, abused, even betrayed by the one who should have protected us and provided for us with love and willingness. I used to struggle with the concept of God as my Father because of the very painful relationship I had with my dad. In my mind, if my biological father didn't care for me, then why would God? If he had other things to do than be there for me and my siblings, then maybe God did too. It was complicated; it was rough. It was sad; it was downright heart breaking.

It's not as though I could even clinch a fist and demand God prove His love to me because, after all, He ignored His own Child's pleas to let the cup pass.

As a mom I have often found it nearly impossible to say "no" to my kids. Imagine if they were asking to be spared from death, and I, having the power to do so, did not? Yet, that is what God did. And not because I am special, or regularly teach myself how to spell long words like, hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, which ironically means fear of long words. It's because He is all-loving and good. I wasn't worthy;He made me worthy. And still I struggled with trust and faith in Him.

My struggles, however, never stopped me from seeking Him. Many many times I would honestly ask Him if He was listening? If He was really there? If He truly cared? I believed the Bible, but I needed the eyes of my understanding opened. I can not tell you exactly when this happened. I just know that as I sit here today, I am a new person. Actually, God assures us in 2 Corinthians 4:16 that even though our physical bodies are getting older, our inner spirit is renewed every day. Every single day we have a better grip on Truth, more faith in God, deeper courage, and greater fountains of joy.

Somehow Someway through the simple practice of seeking our daily bread, we will receive the nourishment that leads to our renewal.

Even if your dad was or is the best father on earth, thank God that that relationship was a beautiful foundation upon which to build a relationship with God your heavenly Father. And if your relationship with your dad wasn't or hasn't been good, thank God that He is perfect and will perfectly love you even if no one else will or does.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your unfailing love. Your love never fails--no matter what. You are the best Dad we will ever have. For those fathers out there who have turned away from their families, help them turn toward home. And for those dads who are awesome, bless them for all their selfless devotion. In Jesus' name, AMEN~