Rodney Wilson is a regular guest post writer on Selma on Leadership. Rodney has been a marriage and family pastor/counselor for almost 20 years. Rodney and Selma have been married for 40 years and they have spoken and written on marriage and family issues for most of their married life.
Blog Post by Rodney A. Wilson
With this being Father’s Day week, I thought I’d share a little secret that most dads deal with: being a father can be intimidating, unnerving, and daunting. Perhaps you had a dad who was absolutely great to you during your kid years and you feel there is no way you can live up to the “perfect father image” you experienced. Or maybe you had a dad who mistreated you (to say the least), so you feel the tendency to treat your own young ones in the same way and you know that’s not right. Or you had no dad at all growing up and you don’t know what a good dad looks like for you to model.
Yes, fatherhood can be challenging. However, you can do this! No, it won’t be done perfectly but it can be done effectively, in a way that is God-honoring and even be fulfilling!
No, Fatherhood won't be done perfectly but it can be done in a way that's God-honoring and fulfilling! Click To TweetNow I don’t find a demon under every rock, but there is an enemy in this world that wants you to fail as a father. His greatest weapon? Deception. Regardless of the kind of dad you did or did not have, the enemy wants you to feel that you are incapable of fathering well and that you are doomed as a dad.
Well, Jesus just busted him, clearly exposing the schemes of the enemy when He said “… there is no truth in him … he is a liar and the father of liars” John 8:44 (the wrong kind of father!).
So when doubts come and the liar is trying to persuade you that you cannot be any kind of a good dad, let’s counter that attack of the liar with the Truth, the Lord Himself. God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and is quite sufficient to keep us on the right track of being great dads.
Here are some verses of truth that encourage me when I struggle as a dad. On this Father’s Day week, may they also speak to you.
10 Bible Verses to Encourage You as a Dad:
“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
When it feels like I am alone in this role, here comes the Truth: He is with me.
“The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
When you have Christ, you have power over the liar.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Parenting is hard but raising kids is critical. Seek hard for Him. He is there.
“For I know the plans I have for you … plans for your welfare and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in Him for He knows how this is all going to work out. He has the plans.
“…take up my yoke… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
No you cannot do this by yourself. When the dad burden gets heavy send it where it needs to go. He can handle it.
“If God is for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
God is for us as dads. So what can any enemy do to us?
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8
Christ is the key. A close (not perfect) relationship with Him is essential to becoming the dad you He wants you to be.
Similarly, Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Fear Him, come near to Him and receive His wisdom.
“Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously…” James 1:5
Our Heavenly Father wants to give us the wisdom we need. Ask Him… and get ready!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
When you have that “I just can’t do this dad or family thing” attitude, let the truth fall upon you once more. You can do it all in His strength.
Have a happy and “truthful” Father’s Day!
Blessings,
Rodney
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