Fathers

Then I said to you, ‘Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.’ Deuteronomy 1:29-31

As a teacher, I witnessed first hand the influence of a “father” figure in the lives of children. In the public school, many programs were started so that the children would have the influence of men in their lives. Our school district started the “Watch Dog” program. Men of the community or stable dads that have had proper background checks volunteer to spend the stay at school and interact with children. I watched as children would hang on to men they barely knew and became “fast” friends to the men who came to read to the class or just spend time with them at lunch or recess. Fatherly influence is dying in America. The world seems to be confused about the role of the father. Many fathers leave the discipline up to the mother because they don’t want to be bothered. Some just leave the home altogether. The children are the ones that suffer and long to be “directed” by men in their lives.

The Bible is clear that Fathers are to be spiritual leaders in the home. I am thankful as I watch the fathers of young children in our church step up and be a spiritual influence to their children and wives. Pray for these fathers. The devil is out to destroy families and cause confusion and strife. A family that has a father whose love is firm enjoys security and safety. A family that has a father that sets boundaries enjoys protection and instruction. A family that has a father that works hard enjoys provision.

A father that understands and accepts God’s forgiveness will be able to provide forgiveness and peace for his family. A father that understands Biblical principles will be able to teach the principles of Christ to his family. A father who enjoys a relationship with his heavenly Father will be able to build strong relationships for his family and show them the importance of a relationship with Christ.

Stand in the gap for our earthly fathers as they fight to keep their families together, in church and established in love. Pray that they will love firmly, set boundaries, work hard, forgive and set an example by the strength in their relationship with Christ. Pray that they will “carry” their children in love. Our families and our fathers are worth it.