Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - The Irreplaceable Presence of a Father

Today I came across a video that really impacted me. It was a video of U.S. soldiers who decided to give their children a surprise visit after being overseas. Other than the obvious tears and smiles that came when each child was re-joined with their father, there were other things I gleaned from watching the video that really hit home with me.

First, the most natural response of the children to their returning fathers was a big bear hug. The kids practically leaped into their father's arms. Can you remember times when your father or perhaps mother had to travel for a period of time during your growing up years?

I was very blessed to have parents who were not required to be gone from home for any real extended period, but there were times when my Dad in particular did have to travel with his job. Mostly it was only for a few days, but even at that, I still missed him while he was away and I couldn't wait for his return home. And every time he walked in the front door, he was greeted with big bear hugs, followed by the question, "Did you bring me anything?" There is just something about having your father around that changes everything. For me, having Dad around in my growing up years gave an immediate sense of safety, security, and joy. It was as if I knew that when Dad was home, everything was going to be alright.

On the other hand, I am also writing this blog with the understanding that some of you reading this may not have had the blessing of growing up with a father at home, or perhaps your relationship with your father was not what you desired it to be. And this leads us into the heart of what I want to write about today.

No matter what kind of relationship we all have or had regarding our earthly father, all of us stand in need of a Heavenly Daddy who can take us by the hand, show us the ropes, and mentor us into the path we were designed to follow. God's greatest desire is to father us, to guide us, to watch out for us, to direct us. And we all need Him desperately.

As a father myself, I am often reminded how inadequate I feel as a Dad to my three kids. And it is this reality that causes me to be even that much more grateful to have a perfect heavenly Father by my side. While I am striving to be the best father I can be to my kids, my best days are still made of moments when I fail drastically and miss their needs and hearts.

Have you considered the idea that God wants to be a Father to you? Have you embraced Him as your Father? Do you battle the concept of accepting God as your Father? Perhaps today your greatest need is to jump into the arms of your heavenly Father, embrace Him and let Him embrace you in return. He wants to Father you if you will only let Him. For you truly are the apple of His eye. To know more about having God as your Father, go to needhim.org.