The Father’s Care

“Go! Into the house now!” her father thundered. His elder daughter’s defiant eyes flashed as she stood daring to glare at him. “Go now!” he growled, not with menace but authority. She spun on her heel and fled, slamming the door behind her as she stomped into the house. She, with her mother, had selfishly and ruinously hurt an innocent young woman, their sugary deception causing their victim to flee in fear while they sought to claim her prize. Their plot exposed, the two earned the painful consequences of…truth’s discipline.

The events leading to this scene (my interpretation from author Kit Morgan’s book The Christmas Mail Order Bride) struck me as an allegory of how the spirit of fear deceives us. Fear dances around, taunting, sometimes cooing and soothing, twisting our thoughts ‘til we are paralyzed, give up, or run away from our purpose rather than towards it. Shrinking back in fear is fear’s intent. To capture us and convince us from becoming all the Father has meant us to be. And like the deceivers of the above story, it would rob us of our prize.

My earthly father was a protective man. Tall with a big personality, he cared deeply for the welfare of his wife and children. He would have disciplined me – in love – had I intentionally set out to hurt another for my own gain. He also defended me from those who would harm me. I experienced his approval and disapproval. Disagreed with him on more than one occasion. Learned to stand my ground and live with my choices. Nearly lost him over our differences…and yet, as we faced our differences honestly, the bond of Love held fast. Though tested and stretched it was never broken. It remained steadfast…always forever, no matter whatever.

As I face challenges that appear overwhelming…when the spirit of fear tries to swirl around to block me from reaching my purpose…my mind’s eye sees my protective father thundering to all who would deceive or undo me, “Go! Now!”

How much more our Father God is there for us! How much greater His Love, defense, protection, wisdom than that of the best of earthly fathers! Praise be to live in the Love of the Father’s care! One who loves us enough to discipline us when needed. To redeem us when in humility we repent from our wrongs. Who nurtures us to wholeness. And who teaches us to stand strong against fear.

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LORD, thank You that You are Love! That You have formed and fashioned Your creation in such a way for Love to abound. Forgive us for listening to the deception of fear and other unholy spirits who would turn us away from Your Great Love. Purify us, LORD. Bring us back to right relationship with You. Free us for all You have purposed. And keep us strong in Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans 5:8 NKJV “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”