I am a child of God!
John 1: 9-13
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
As I was thinking about Father’s Day, I have to tell you I have never really been a fan of celebrating Father’s Day. My father was promoted to glory when I was five years old. My mom raised my brother and I with help from her parents. My grandfather was the father role model in my life growing up, but it just wasn’t the same. I remember a conversation I had with my grandfather when I was about 21 years old. I went through a rough time between the ages of 15 to 22. I was angry with God about what I had gone through up to that point in my life.
My grandfather took me out one night, just the two of us. I have never forgotten what he said that night. He knew how angry I was with God because my father was gone. He knew that even though he tried to be a father figure to me it wasn’t the same as having my father there. He remembered how uncomfortable I was going to the Father/Daughter dance and brunch during elementary school, even though I never admited it to him or anyone else. I was surprised that he said that because I remember I didn’t really speak in whole sentences until I was nine years old. He told me that I have a father who is here with me all the time. I was confused when he said that, but he reminded me that God is my father, and he is with me every step of the way as long I follow his words.
I pushed myself to reread His word, and then I felt like He understood that I was angry with Him, but He was waiting for me to come back to Him. I never forgot that day. I finally cried out to God and realized that God is also my father because He is the one who created me and knew me and provided my biological father for me. I believe in Him, He is my father, and I am a child of God. I have an extra dad in my life, His name is God. I was blessed to have my biological father, my grandparents, and my mom to raise me.
If you grew up with no dad or a horrible dad, remember you do have a dad in your life. God is your father because He is the one who created us and knew us before we were born. Remember you are not an orphan you are a child of God. You already have a father to celebrate Father’s Day and His name is God!
Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for reminding us that we are never an orphan and that we have you as our Father. Help us to remember that on Father’s Day that we are celebrating your name. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
written by Captain Danielle Hopping, THQ Finance Department, USA East
