A FATHER'S WORLD is filled with responsibilities and concerns, and the stress that can arise from helping to support a family can be overwhelming. But God offers wisdom and strength from his Word, and the father that anchors himself in the foundation of the Bible's teaching will persevere.
The Scriptures below are truths about God and encouraging reminders to seek the eternal salvation found in Jesus Christ.
WHEN YOU NEED STRENGTH
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9
WHEN YOU NEED WISDOM
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." JAMES 1:5
WHEN YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE
"'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life. . . . Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?'" MATTHEW 6:25-26
WHEN THERE ARE FAMILY TENSIONS
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. . . . Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. . . . Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." EPHESIANS 4:32; 5:25; 6:4
WHEN YOU FACE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." HEBREWS 4:16
WHEN YOU ARE WORRIED
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7
WHEN GOD DOESN'T SEEM REAL TO YOU
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." JAMES 4:8
WHEN YOU FACE CAREER CHOICES
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." MATTHEW 6:33
WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13
WHEN YOU WONDER IF GOD LOVES YOU
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ROMANS 5:8
WHEN YOU NEED FORGIVENESS
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 JOHN 1:9
WHEN YOU NEED ASSURANCE
"'Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.'" JOHN 5:24
At some point in life, everyone faces challenges like the ones mentioned in the message above. At the heart of those challenges, though, is the weight of our sinfulness as human beings and our ultimate need for a Savior.
If you have recognized the longing to be saved from your sin, here is a suggested prayer to ask Jesus for help:
Dear God, I pray that you will forgive me for the things that I've done wrong, and that you would increase my faith to trust in you. I believe in the salvation that is offered through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help me to live in a way that is honoring to you. Amen.
