Today, we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers” by Jack Countryman.  Our focus today is on the important role of parenting in helping model two things: overcoming fear and forgiving.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God has promised that his grace is sufficient for any need that you may have. As a father, the security and strength that your children need comes from your willingness to build a bond of love and a bond of confidence that cannot be broken.

Each of us has faced fear at some point in life; it is what we do with that fear that matters the most. What do we do? We claim our position as a child of God who has been given the Holy Spirit as our guide and protector. We then apply God’s word to our life, giving us the power to overcome fear.

Deuteronomy 31:8
He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

When you’re fearing a situation or emotional challenge, really envision God saying this, just to you. I’m on your side. I’ll never turn on you. Some of our lowest, most painful moments in life can also be our closest times with the Lord.

MODELING FORGIVENESS

Psalm 103: 8-12

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

When you forgive your children for something they’ve done that has been disappointing or has been hurtful, you are showing exactly what your heavenly father does when you fail to live up to his standard for your life. You’re emulating his love.

Forgiveness breaks down the walls that separate you from the love of your children and it opens the door to reconciliation. The unconditional love that our heavenly father has promised to you is the same kind of love needed by those God has given you to nurture and raise.

Let nothing interfere with God’s gracious gift of forgiveness…and the reward you receive will bless you richly.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd