I Wonder if Other Dads (and Moms) Feel What This Guy

(Pictured Above) is Experiencing

Believe it or not, some of us Dad’s (and Moms) feel like “throwaways”; as if

we are totally dispensable. God doesn’t feel that way about you and me…parents, grandparents, care-givers. Our roles are being usurped by government, schools, and even some churches. I know they mean well – or I think they do – but parents, husbands and wives, godly families still comprise the spine of our country. We (you and I) are absolutely crucial to the future of our kids and the godly heritage they will choose or reject. At least we can make sure they see the difference and have a choice.

I recently attended the graduation of several men from an addiction recovery program. Several of them had children at the graduation. Some have burned many bridges to the family who reared them or the one they fathered. Jesus has given these men a second chance, or third or fourth, etc. Each of them will have to choose whether this time will be their consistent, continual pursuit of a growing relationship with God and others. The children (old and young) who attended their father’s graduation need the man in their life to make it this time. They want to know if this God their dads have found is powerful enough to rescue and keep their Dads free from addiction. We know He is.

Most of these men had few, if any, examples of godly adults along the way. The ones who did usually pointed to the example of a godly grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Just because culture is throwing away the role of the dads and some dads have not stood in the gap, living godly lives, doesn’t mean we should lose hope or stop trying. In his latest book “The Perilous Fight“, Dr. Ben Carson reinforces the truth that family influence, built on a loving relationship between a husband and wife, is still the best environment in which to rear children.

This raises some serious questions in my heart. I say that the church, school, and government can supplement the home, but they’ll never replace it. A man and woman loving each other and God provide the model to be copied and the discipleship kids need over time. Why not start now asking questions like these:

1. Where is the help for marriage to be found?
2. Who is helping parents become the godly influence they want to be?
3. Why does my church not offer easily accessible help for couples and parents?
4. Where can singles go to get prepared to be married one day and have a successful Christ-centered home?
5. Why are the resources going to impact children and teens not matched by resources to help the parents of those kids to be able to parent them better and provide a more imitable model of marriage and family?

I am not advocating a revolt, but I am wondering out loud if you will pray with me about our nation being restored or, better yet, taken to a new place where God is supreme in our homes, where Jesus is loved and worshipped, and the Holy Spirit controls us as dads, moms, grandfathers, grandmothers, and guardians of the next generation?

Isaiah 41:10 – New International Version

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.

2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version

14 if my people, who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Jeremiah 33:3 – English Standard Version

3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Ezekiel 33:11 – English Standard Version

11 Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Let’s pray for each other and get with other like-minded believers to take back our nation in prayer and with Holy Spirit-directed action. Let’s be prepared for the coming of The King – King Jesus!