Fight for Your Family
All around our country this weekend we celebrate Father's Day. I can't begin to tell all you dads just how important you are. At a time when so many families are under attack through strife and broken relationships, your role as a father is crucial. Your words and love are so important, and your children need your strength and godly example.
One challenge we all face as fathers is weariness. Everyone gets tired. It's easy to lose your sense of pleasure, to not feel the enjoyment you should with yourself or others. You can be raising great children, but because you're weary, you're not enjoying them. God knew weariness would come. When the apostle Paul says, "Don't get weary or become discouraged in doing good" (Galatians 6:9), he means that you're doing the right thing but not getting the right results. It doesn't seem as though your fathering is making a difference. Let me encourage you that your time is coming to reap. Don't let discouragement or negative thoughts convince you to give up and settle where you are.
The Old Testament records a time when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The enemy was coming against God's people, against their homes and families. When the situation got really bad, Nehemiah encouraged the men, "Fight for your sons, fight for your daughters, fight for your wives, fight for your families" (Nehemiah 4:14). He went on to say, "If you will fight, then God will fight." I believe God is saying something similar to us today. If we will do our part as fathers and take a strong stand for our families, God will do His part. He'll help us to have great marriages and great relationships with our children.
No father is ever perfect, but you can use your words and actions to affirm your children. Every day, bless your children, no matter how old they are. Look at each child and say, "I'm so proud of you. I think you're great. There's nothing that you can't do." Your children need your approval and love, no matter whether they act like it or not. Because of the power of God the Father's love for us, in us, and through us, we can make a difference in our families and leave a legacy of faith for future generations.
To all the fathers who have invested so much in the lives of their children, may you be blessed, strengthened, and empowered by God's Spirit, and may you know the greatness of the gift that you are to them. Please know we love you and pray for you every day. Have a happy and blessed Father's Day!
One challenge we all face as fathers is weariness. Everyone gets tired. It's easy to lose your sense of pleasure, to not feel the enjoyment you should with yourself or others. You can be raising great children, but because you're weary, you're not enjoying them. God knew weariness would come. When the apostle Paul says, "Don't get weary or become discouraged in doing good" (Galatians 6:9), he means that you're doing the right thing but not getting the right results. It doesn't seem as though your fathering is making a difference. Let me encourage you that your time is coming to reap. Don't let discouragement or negative thoughts convince you to give up and settle where you are.
The Old Testament records a time when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The enemy was coming against God's people, against their homes and families. When the situation got really bad, Nehemiah encouraged the men, "Fight for your sons, fight for your daughters, fight for your wives, fight for your families" (Nehemiah 4:14). He went on to say, "If you will fight, then God will fight." I believe God is saying something similar to us today. If we will do our part as fathers and take a strong stand for our families, God will do His part. He'll help us to have great marriages and great relationships with our children.
No father is ever perfect, but you can use your words and actions to affirm your children. Every day, bless your children, no matter how old they are. Look at each child and say, "I'm so proud of you. I think you're great. There's nothing that you can't do." Your children need your approval and love, no matter whether they act like it or not. Because of the power of God the Father's love for us, in us, and through us, we can make a difference in our families and leave a legacy of faith for future generations.
To all the fathers who have invested so much in the lives of their children, may you be blessed, strengthened, and empowered by God's Spirit, and may you know the greatness of the gift that you are to them. Please know we love you and pray for you every day. Have a happy and blessed Father's Day!