3 Things that We are Given Through God the Father

“But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for Him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.”

1 Corinthians 8:6, NLT

Maybe you have a bad father, an absent father or never knew who your father was. Maybe your father was average, providing financially but not emotionally available. Our Earthly fathers will all fall short because they can never be perfect. Our Heavenly Father is a perfect father and the father we all need. Your father may have done his best, but was never enough. Maybe, for whatever reason, he is unable to be a part of your life. If you had an amazing father who is now gone or your father continues to fall short of expectations, God the Father always has and forever will be there. And He gives us all we need.

PROTECTION

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV

God is always with us and protects us from the enemy. He leads and guides us so that we can navigate the trials of our world. God blesses us with protection in response to our obedience. However, He does not promise us a life without problems. Psalm 138:7 (NIV) says, “though I walk through the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me”. 

Through the chaos that life gives us God protects us and provides us favor as we pursue His calling on our lives. The closer we come to Him, He becomes our refuge through the storms. Refuge is defined as a safe place and shelter from the pursuit of trouble. As we strengthen our faith, He will protect us from the enemy and protect us from ourselves too. Our struggles with temptation, fear, or other weaknesses will be lessened to protect us from all the stumbling blocks that life can give us. 

PROVISION

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19, NIV

God is the ultimate provider. He provides both physical and emotional needs. He also promises to provide us wisdom and direction for our lives. No matter where you are or what you are doing, He will provide anything and everything you need. Psalm 103:5 (CEV) says, “Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.”

I have experienced God’s provision in so many ways. Sometimes I forget just how much He has blessed me with, unless I take the time to be still and think about the blessings that He has provided. The World can throw a lot of curve balls and create struggle or need in a variety of ways. Sometimes life can feel like an uphill battle and we keep rolling downward, unable to catch our footing. We cannot stop it from happening, but we can call out to a God of hope who is ready to provide every need. Pursue Him and His will for your life, and when you do, He will fulfill His promise of provision.

LOVE

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

1 John 4:10, NLT

God’s love is clear by His words and His actions. Through the Word and by the sacrifice of Jesus, He has shown us how much He loves us. He also continues to show us how much He loves us through consistent love, grace, protection, and provision. His gift of grace and mercy, through salvation, is the ultimate sign of His love. But more than that original gift, He has unconditional love for us which has no boundaries. No matter how many times we mess up. No matter how much we struggle. No matter how many times we ask for help. Psalm 86:15 (NLT) says, “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” 

This “unfailing love” is the hardest part to feel like we can receive, even from Earthly fathers with the best of intentions. No matter how much your father tried to express his love for you, I’m willing to bet that there is a vivid memory (or more) where your Earthly father made you feel like his love was conditional; based on what you did or did not do. When our Earthly fathers fall short in this area in particular, it becomes very difficult to understand how our Heavenly Father could be any different. But He is! God’s love is unconditional and never changes. Regardless of what your relationship is with your father, God’s love is there for you.

The role of a father is very important in our lives. It has a big impact on who we become and how worthy of love we can feel. But no matter your experience with your Earthly father, our Heavenly Father can and will be everything you need from a father. He gives protection, provision and love to all. But even more than that, when you are ready, He will help you extend the grace and forgiveness you have received from Him, to your Earthly father, for all the ways he fell short of perfection. So whatever areas of your life you are struggling with because of the impact of your Earthly father, bring them to your Heavenly Father, who can restore your heart and give you everything you need.

For more about your relationship with God the Father, read about God's Grace.

Casey Wayne

Monthly Contributor