A Dad Like Jesus
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”1
Some time ago, I heard a touching story about a humble, consecrated pastor whose young son had become very ill. After the boy had undergone an exhaustive series of tests, the father was told the shocking news that his son had a terminal illness. The youngster had accepted Christ as his Savior, so the minister knew that death would usher him into Glory; but he wondered how to inform one in the bloom of youth that he soon would die.
After earnestly seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, he went with a heavy heart through the hospital ward to the boy’s bedside. First, he read a passage of Scripture and had a time of prayer with his dear child. Then he gently told him that the doctors could promise him only a few more days to live.
"Are you afraid to meet Jesus, my boy?" asked his devout father.
Blinking away a few tears, the little fellow said bravely, "No, not if He’s like you, Dad!"2
Our Heavenly Father has set the example to follow when it comes to being a dad, or parent in general. His unconditional love that holds no record of wrongs, incomparable patience, his arms of comfort that hold us tight when we are sad, undeserved forgiveness, guidance, just to name a few! Being a father is not an easy task, but the more you seek to be like Jesus, the closer you will be with your children, and the closer they will be to our Heavenly Father.
Happy Father’s Day to all of the dad’s reading this today! May the Lord bless you, keep you, make his face shine upon you, and give you peace.
Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the men you have placed in our lives to help guide and lead us. I pray that you strengthen them and give them courage to be like you, so that we can be like them. When discouragement or trials come their way, I ask that you help us, their children, be the ones who will hold their arms up, proclaiming the victory they have in you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
John 14:1-3 (NLT).
Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.