Embracing Divine Fatherhood: Transforming Lives Through Love
Summary
In reflecting on my journey from a fatherless childhood to becoming a father myself, I am reminded of the profound ways God fills the voids in our lives. Losing my father at a young age left me without a paternal figure, but God stepped in as my Father, providing me with mentors within the church who guided me. This divine fatherhood has shaped my understanding of what it means to be a father to my own seven children. Recently, my wife Lisa and I felt called to open our home to a 16-year-old girl in need of a family. Despite the timing not being ideal, we couldn't ignore the opportunity to extend love and support to her.
This experience has been transformative, not just for her, but for our entire family. It has reminded me of the importance of obedience and the blessings that come from following God's call. The young girl, who once found herself lost and without guidance, has now found a home and a father figure. This journey has been a testament to the power of love and the impact of providing a stable, nurturing environment. It has also been a reflection of God's love for us, as He adopts us into His family and offers us everything He has.
The moment when I realized that I wanted her to stay with us indefinitely was profound. It was as if God was speaking through me, reminding me of His promises and the security we have in Him. This experience has opened my eyes to the many others who are in need of a family and the believers who have the opportunity to be a blessing in their lives. It is a privilege to represent God in this way, and I am grateful for the joy and fulfillment it has brought to our family.
Key Takeaways:
- God fills the voids in our lives, stepping in as a Father when earthly figures are absent. This divine relationship provides guidance and mentorship, shaping our understanding of love and family. [00:11]
- Obedience to God's call, even when it seems inconvenient, can lead to profound blessings. Opening our home to someone in need has been a transformative experience, reminding us of the power of love and support. [01:02]
- Providing a stable and nurturing environment can change lives. The young girl who joined our family has found guidance and a father figure, illustrating the impact of love and acceptance. [02:07]
- God's love for us is mirrored in our relationships with others. The realization that I wanted her to stay with us indefinitely was a reflection of God's promises and the security we have in Him. [04:01]
- There are many in need of a family, and believers have the opportunity to be a blessing in their lives. Representing God in this way is a privilege, bringing joy and fulfillment to both the giver and receiver. [04:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Childhood Reflections
[00:26] - Finding Father Figures
[00:45] - Becoming a Father
[01:02] - Opening Our Home
[01:14] - A New Family Member
[01:33] - Street Life and Transformation
[01:45] - Reluctance and Prayer
[02:07] - Finding a Father Figure
[02:21] - Obedience and Sacrifice
[03:02] - Joyful Moments
[03:19] - A Permanent Home
[04:01] - God's Promises
[04:31] - A Bright Future
[04:50] - The Blessing of Family
[05:06] - Closing Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:1 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."
2. Romans 8:15 - "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"
3. James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Observation Questions:
1. How did the speaker describe his relationship with his earthly father and how did it change after becoming a Christian? [00:11]
2. What was the initial reaction of the speaker and his wife when they considered opening their home to the 16-year-old girl? [01:02]
3. How did the young girl describe her life before moving in with the speaker's family? [01:33]
4. What was the speaker's response when asked how long the young girl could stay with them? [03:34]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the speaker's experience reflect the concept of God as a father to the fatherless, as mentioned in Romans 8:15? [04:01]
2. In what ways does the speaker's story illustrate the biblical call to care for orphans and those in need, as seen in James 1:27? [04:50]
3. How does the speaker's decision to welcome the young girl into his family demonstrate obedience to God's call, even when it seems inconvenient? [01:02]
4. What does the speaker's story suggest about the potential impact of providing a stable and nurturing environment for someone in need? [02:07]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God filling a void in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of His role as a Father? [00:26]
2. Have you ever felt called to do something that seemed inconvenient or poorly timed? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:02]
3. Consider someone in your life who might need guidance or support. What steps can you take to offer them a stable and nurturing environment? [02:07]
4. How can you be more open to representing God's love and promises in your relationships with others, as the speaker did with the young girl? [04:01]
5. What are some practical ways you can be a blessing to those in need of a family or community, as encouraged by James 1:27? [04:50]
6. Think about a person or group in your community who might feel lost or without guidance. How can you extend love and support to them this week? [04:31]
7. How can you cultivate a heart of obedience to God's call, even when it challenges your comfort or plans? [01:02]
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Father in Absence
In times when earthly figures are absent, God steps in to fill the voids in our lives, offering guidance and mentorship. This divine relationship shapes our understanding of love and family, providing us with the strength and wisdom to navigate life's challenges. When we feel alone or unsupported, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always present, ready to guide us through His love and wisdom. This understanding can transform our relationships, allowing us to extend the same love and support to others. [00:11]
"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in." (Psalm 27:10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life has been a mentor or guide when you felt alone? How can you thank God for placing them in your life today?
Day 2: The Blessings of Obedience
Obedience to God's call, even when it seems inconvenient, can lead to profound blessings. Opening one's home to someone in need is a transformative experience that reminds us of the power of love and support. By stepping out in faith and following God's guidance, we can witness the incredible changes that love and acceptance can bring to someone's life. This act of obedience not only blesses the recipient but also enriches the lives of those who give. [01:02]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a small step of obedience today?
Day 3: Transformative Power of a Nurturing Environment
Providing a stable and nurturing environment can change lives. The young girl who joined the family found guidance and a father figure, illustrating the impact of love and acceptance. This transformation is a testament to the power of creating a safe and loving space for those in need. By offering stability and support, we can help others find their path and purpose, reflecting God's love in our actions. [02:07]
"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me." (Mark 9:37, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your community who could benefit from your support and love? How can you create a nurturing environment for them today?
Day 4: Mirroring God's Love in Our Relationships
God's love for us is mirrored in our relationships with others. The realization of wanting someone to stay indefinitely is a reflection of God's promises and the security we have in Him. By embracing others with open arms, we demonstrate the unconditional love that God offers us. This act of love not only strengthens our relationships but also deepens our understanding of God's grace and mercy. [04:01]
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you show God's love to someone in your life today? What specific action can you take to reflect His love in your relationships?
Day 5: The Privilege of Being a Blessing
There are many in need of a family, and believers have the opportunity to be a blessing in their lives. Representing God in this way is a privilege, bringing joy and fulfillment to both the giver and receiver. By opening our hearts and homes, we can make a significant impact on the lives of others, embodying the love and compassion that God has for each of us. [04:50]
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of support and love? How can you be a blessing to them today, reflecting God's compassion and care?
Quotes
"God became a father to me to where I didn't feel like I was missing anything, and Not only was God my father but in the church there were men who I could look up to and became in a sense mentors for me and now I'm a dad I've got seven children which is probably crazy to some of you watching." [00:19:11]
"About 9 10 months ago we had an opportunity uh we heard about a gal who a 16-year-old girl who needed a family and as Lisa and I prayed about it we thought man we're about to have another child already we're going to have a baby this isn't great timing but then we're thinking okay but we can't just leave this girl out there." [00:54:48]
"I prayed I was like Lord what do you want me to do do you want me to move in and I I felt like he said as soon as you get to San Francisco pack of stuff and immediately just go to the Chan so I did it and like ever since I moved in here my dad like showed me what it is to have a father figure." [02:02:07]
"I have enjoyed every moment except for teaching her how to drive um but probably my favorite moment in the last 10 months cuz I I'll say for sure hands down she's been the biggest blessing in my life this last year um but my favorite moment was probably like a month into her living with us." [03:04:00]
"I didn't even have to think about it like it just immediately came out of my mouth from my heart like what do you mean how long she can stay with us until she gets married or whatever I mean I want her as my daughter if she wants to be my daughter she can be my daughter and everything I have is hers." [03:13:51]
"As I was saying it I felt like God was like speaking to me and going don't you get like that's what I've said to you you know like everything that is mine is yours Francis I treat you like I treat my own son and and it was just like this awesome moment of security knowing that wow I'm saying the very things that God has spoken to me in the scriptures." [04:01:12]
"All she needed was a chance and she just needed a picture and a family and I think I think about her future now and what a bright future she has and I I go gosh how many more people are like her that just need a dad and how many Believers are out there and families are missing out missing out on the blessing of getting to represent God in this way." [04:31:12]
"I feel like the Lord has put him in my life cuz I never really had anybody to tell me what to do and I never never really but obeyed people so when I moved in here it was like okay I have to obey you know I have rules and I feel like the Lord put him in my life like here's your father I'm your father but this is your real father." [02:31:28]
"I think about the and who she is now compared to a year ago and I go man all she needed was a chance and she just needed a picture and a family and I think I think about her future now and what a bright future she has and I I go gosh how many more people are like her that just need a dad." [04:31:12]
"Everything I have is hers you know and I told her I go look you see how I treat my girls you would be no different like you'd be one of them and and why I love that moment cuz as I was saying and I I can't even explain this totally as I was saying it I felt like God was like speaking to me." [03:47:23]
"I have enjoyed every moment except for teaching her how to drive um but probably my favorite moment in the last 10 months cuz I I'll say for sure hands down she's been the biggest blessing in my life this last year um but my favorite moment was probably like a month into her living with us and the social worker came over and just said hey how long can Dalal stay with you." [03:04:00]
"I think about her future now and what a bright future she has and I I go gosh how many more people are like her that just need a dad and how many Believers are out there and families are missing out missing out on the blessing of getting to represent God in this way cuz it's an honor and it's been an amazing blessing and I don't know what I do without her now." [04:31:12]
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