God didn’t choose the perfect woman to be a mom or the perfect man to be a dad. He didn’t wait until we had arrived at the highest level of wisdom, faith, intelligence, or maturity to create parents. God’s plan is always to help us grow to be more like HIM. For us to have the heart of the Father, we have to be given the chance to be a parent. Only our children can teach us the value of unconditional love. Only our children can show us the very worst parts of us and love us anyway.
The Bible is full of flawed fathers. The first father, Adam…flawed. He allowed sin to enter the world before he even bore a son. One of his sons died at the hands of the other. That one was cast out and sent to wander the earth.
The father of a nation, Abraham, was given the first covenant of God…flawed. He fathered a son that was not part of God’s plan for him.
The father who sought after God’s heart, David…flawed. His first son was born to a woman who was not his wife.
The father who was the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon…flawed. His sons were a whole issue, not following in the path of their father or grandfather, they sought power not God.
The list can go on and on. Not one father in the Bible was anything less than…flawed.
Our only hope, in a flawed world with flawed fathers, is men who chase after the heart of God. Men who know that in their own weakness, God is their only strength. Men who recognize that humility is not weak, but a symbol of a life surrendered to the only example of a perfect Father we are given. Men who can surrender their pride to the One who can teach them to walk with integrity and honor.
Thank you to the Fathers who do this…you are changing the world, starting with your own homes.
If this type of Father was not modeled for you…you are not alone. He probably didn’t have that modeled for him either. We are all flawed and fall short of the responsibilities given to us. Forgive. I know, it’s easier said than done. Forgiving others and living forgiven draws you closer to the perfect Father’s heart.
Fathers…it’s never too late. There is a child who needs the surrendered heart of a Father. He can take a flawed man and do amazing things within your family.
One of Adam’s sons birthed a man who saved a nation on an ark. Abraham’s grandson became the nation of Israel. David brought us words of lament that showed us how to rejoice, cry, pray, and worship. Solomon built a nation who worshiped the most perfect Father.
And guess what moms, this goes for us too.
Leah Lively 