A Father to the Fatherless — The Family Resemblance is Amazing

Our God is a Father to the fatherless.

I had the gift of a wonderful earthly father — extremely opinionated and stubborn, but wonderful just the same. Even as an adult I could crawl into his lap and snuggle while we watched television.

Our God is a Father to the fatherless.
Our God is a Father to the fatherless.

Many cannot say the same and for them, my heart aches. I think of the void they must feel, the wounds, the scars that go with them through life. I cannot imagine the empty place in their heart that potentially pushes against all things good — a painful void that echoes even more painful memories.

I think of our Heavenly Father and His love that carries us over turbulent waters, His love that remains regardless of our attitude or behavior, His love that draws us beneath the shadow of His wing where we find safety from harm — and I give thanks that my friends can know Him and fill their empty places.

He is a good, good Father who pursues us with His love.

I believe had I grown up with an absent or abusive father, it might be hard for me to embrace God as my Heavenly Father. Would it be hard to trust Him with my heart? Probably. Would I recognize Him as Almighty God and Creator, but keep Him at arm’s length? I think so.

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But this I know: the closer we walk with Him the more we know Him. The more we know Him, the more we become like Him as He transforms us to reflect the image of Christ — His Son who looks just like Him. As we become more like Him, there can be no denying He is our Abba Father — our Daddy God — because we begin to look like Him too.

The family resemblance is amazing.

Recently I stopped at a Starbucks with my grandson. The cashier and I struck up a friendly conversation and I knew that I knew she was a sister in Christ, even though we had not mentioned the Lord. I told my grandson that tidbit, but he had a hard time believing I could recognize Jesus in a total stranger. Of course I took advantage of this wonderful Grandma moment.

I read the girl’s nametag. “Sarah,” I said. “Are you a Christian?”

Her eyes grew wide, then she smiled. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

“I knew it! The Light of Christ shines bright in you — I recognized Jesus and knew you were my sister.”

My grandson’s mouth dropped open and a slight giggle escaped his lips. He was astounded. I was ecstatic.

The Body of Christ is family — brothers and sisters each adopted by our Heavenly Father. We look like Him, talk like Him, have similar family traits.

Are you in need of a Father’s love? Do you know Jesus as your Savior, God as Almighty God, but guard your heart from letting Him get too close? Let these words of life from Scripture seep into your heart filling the empty places, binding the broken pieces to wholeness again.

[bctt tweet=”Let these #Scriptures seep into your heart filling the empty places, binding the broken pieces to wholeness again. @NanJonesAuthor #FathersDay” username=”inspireafire”]

“I will be a Father to you and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:19 and 2 Samuel 7:14).

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father'” (Romans 8:15).

“[The Father] guarded him as the apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10).

“A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5).

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

Sweet friend, if you are yearning to know God as your Heavenly Father but childhood wounds are too raw, I am praying for you. I am asking the Lord to open your ears that you might hear His delicate whisper calling to you, asking you to come and sit awhile as He teaches you to trust Him with your whole heart. He is good. He is faithful.

And He can fill the empty places in Your heart like none other.

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If you are hurting and need prayer, please feel free to contact me at nan@nanjones.com. I would be honored to pray for you.

 

Nan Jones

Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. She has been published in several anthologies as well as the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire where she is a monthly contributor. She is also a monthly contributor to PW Connections, a blog and forum to encourage pastors' wives. Nan has had the honor of being featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife released June 30, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. This memoir was a 2016 Selah finalist. When Nan isn't writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord" as she teaches her audience to go beyond the veil to find God's Presence. You may visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com. Nan has also created a facebook community page, Seeing Beyond The Veil, to provide a place for folks to go and get away from the chaos for a few moments and focus on Jesus through scripture, worship, testimony, and inspirational quotes. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@nanjones.com The Perils of a Pastor's Wife is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and LPC Bookstore

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One comment

  1. Nan, this is beautiful. Love the story with your grandson and how you knew Sarah was a believer. Oh, how I desire to resemble my heavenly Father…in every way. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs!

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