Scripture: Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:9-11)
When I moved to the United States at the age of seven, I didn’t know any English. My father, who had come a year earlier, was himself still learning the language, and he did his best to help me make it through second grade. We worked on weekly spelling words and read picture books together. He introduced me to the public library - I had never been to one before in Taiwan! In fourth grade, a big day came when my teacher, Mrs. P., told me that I had passed the English assessment test. “Tell your dad to take you out for ice cream to celebrate,” she said. And he did. When I think back on that trip to Baskin-Robbins, I remember my father’s encouragement and support.
We often think of God as a majestic, awesome, powerful Being who is to be feared. As much as that description is true, the Bible talks about God in another way too, as a loving Father who holds His children in His arms, who shows affection, who guides and disciplines, who provides, protects, and encourages us.
When I am fearful, God the Father, my Abba 阿爸, calms my pounding heart.
When I am confused or conflicted about a situation, God gives me wisdom and clarity.
When I choose to do wrong, it is God who disciplines me and helps me get back on track.
When I need something, my Abba Father provides the things I truly need - not necessarily the things I ask for, but the core material things and spiritual perspective that sustain me.
When I take risks, He is by my side, giving encouragement so I keep going.
Our earthly fathers will not always be with us. The Heavenly Father, however, is surely always by our side. He knows our needs before we ask, and He desires an intimate relationship with us. Do you know God as a loving Father? If not, ask Him to show Himself to you today.
When I moved to the United States at the age of seven, I didn’t know any English. My father, who had come a year earlier, was himself still learning the language, and he did his best to help me make it through second grade. We worked on weekly spelling words and read picture books together. He introduced me to the public library - I had never been to one before in Taiwan! In fourth grade, a big day came when my teacher, Mrs. P., told me that I had passed the English assessment test. “Tell your dad to take you out for ice cream to celebrate,” she said. And he did. When I think back on that trip to Baskin-Robbins, I remember my father’s encouragement and support.
We often think of God as a majestic, awesome, powerful Being who is to be feared. As much as that description is true, the Bible talks about God in another way too, as a loving Father who holds His children in His arms, who shows affection, who guides and disciplines, who provides, protects, and encourages us.
When I am fearful, God the Father, my Abba 阿爸, calms my pounding heart.
When I am confused or conflicted about a situation, God gives me wisdom and clarity.
When I choose to do wrong, it is God who disciplines me and helps me get back on track.
When I need something, my Abba Father provides the things I truly need - not necessarily the things I ask for, but the core material things and spiritual perspective that sustain me.
When I take risks, He is by my side, giving encouragement so I keep going.
Our earthly fathers will not always be with us. The Heavenly Father, however, is surely always by our side. He knows our needs before we ask, and He desires an intimate relationship with us. Do you know God as a loving Father? If not, ask Him to show Himself to you today.