God The Father
By: Kristen L. McNulty
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The other day I heard a song that was talking about God the Father. I don't know what your definition of a father is, but have you ever stopped to think lately about the amazing fact that the God of the Universe is your father?
The same hands that stretched the sky offer hold you tenderly when your heart is saddened. The same words that spoke creation into existence speak to you in the moments when you really need to hear from above.
The God of Creations. The Lord of Heaven and earth. That's your Dad.
I know some of you might have a hard time grasping this truth. Maybe you come from a home where having a father around was more of a curse than a blessing. Maybe your dad took off before you entered the picture. Or maybe you have a great dad, but just have a hard time seeing God in the same way.
If that's you I described, I get it. When I became a Christian the biggest obstacle I faced was not accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It was accepting God as my Father.
You see in my mind the word Father didn't always bring about warm feelings. But I have learned this. Every word that describes what a father should be also describes God.
Good fathers are patient. They are loving. They protect their families and they provide for their children. They lead with love and they teach with grace. They discipline, but do so only with their children's best intentions in mind. And they always stand with open arms, ready to welcome their children back when they wander.
Hearing that, maybe you can understand why God would be called our Father. Because everything that describes the perfect parent in the dictionary is exactly what God is. And unlike any earthly parent, He doesn't make mistakes. His love is perfect and it's eternal. As Philip Yancey wrote "There is nothing you can do to make God love you more. And there is nothing you can do to make God love you less."
So whatever your struggle to accept God as your father, know this, that doesn't make Him love you any less. God invited the word patience and He patiently waits for each one of us to turn to Him and acknowledge Him. Both as Lord, Saviour, and Father.
And having this amazing God as our father changes everything. It defines home. It provides hope. And it leaves us knowing that where ever we go in life, we are not alone. We are not unloved. And we are always provided for.
That's the love of a father and that's the love that God has for you.
This devotional was aired as a part of the Making A Difference Christian Radio Show.