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"God Our Heavenly Father"

"God Our Heavenly Father"

by Dr. Ann Pearson on August 31, 2020

During the Civil War there is a story about a Union soldier who tried repeatedly to see President Lincoln at the White House in Washington, D.C.  The president’s staff turned the soldier away several times saying the president was too busy and didn’t have time to see him.  As the young soldier left, dejected and sad and walked down the halls of the White House he encountered a person, unbeknownst to the soldier, who had connections. Tad Lincoln, President Lincoln’s son, was the person walking the halls at the time and asked the young soldier why he looked so sad. The soldier told of his troubles back home and it resonated with Tad.  Tad offered to help and the soldier said, “What can you do to help?”, not knowing who Tad was.

Tad did not say a word, took the hand of the soldier  and led him through the corridors, past the staff and into the president’s office.  Tad stated, “Father, this soldier is in need of your help.”  This just validates the popular adage “it’s who you know, not what you know.”  Who your Daddy is makes a huge difference in times of great need and help.

You may be like the Union soldier whose life situation was falling apart and felt like no one heard his cry. One thing for sure is that your “Abba” Father is the one who can give you Hope and Listen for your cry for help.  Your Heavenly Father is available day or night to hear your story no matter what battle you are facing.   You have a Father who knows your needs and desires to walk with you.

We all need to be reminded as a child of God that when nothing makes sense there is truth to be read in Romans 8:15-17.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome when life was confusing and in disarray.  They could not see the big picture or understand what they were going through.  God had sent His son for everyone the Jews and the Gentiles alike.  The Roman government had become weary from this Nazarene carpenter known as Jesus who was disturbing the norm in religious circles.

So why would God allow us to experience such difficult times?   That was probably one of the questions that the Roman Christians were asking and is something each of us have asked in times of suffering.   Paul gives insight into that question in Romans chapter 8.   God didn’t save you to suffer, Paul explains, He saved you to make you His child and heir, to make you eternal brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.   Just as Jesus trusted His heavenly Father in times of suffering, we must learn to trust Him too.

Paul refers to God as our “Abba” Father.   In closing, we can’t make the assumption all persons have experienced a loving, fatherly example in their homes.  Many in the world today have grown up without a father present in their home, much less being loving and available to them.  What separates our earthly fathers from our Heavenly Father is Your “Abba” Father is available anytime, anywhere, always and forever.  Know you are His child and are deeply loved.

Prayer:
Abba Father, we come to you as needy children wanting you to hear our plea.  The assurance of your love and presence in our lives is comforting as we face daily challenges.  Thank you for being available to hear our prayers.  In Christ’s love, Amen.


My love and prayers,

Ann

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