I grew up in church parsonages. My model for faith, and the source of my understanding of what it meant to live a life of faith, was my father. To this day, some 16 years since he was “appointed to the church eternal,” I know that he was a faithful and dedicated servant of the Lord who guided me in life and in faith. Even so, however, I chose not to follow in his footsteps. When I graduated from college I thought about attending seminary, but I did not want any part of a life that seemed to either expect too much of a pastor by placing him on a pedestal; or that wore him out with stress and abuse. It was not until much later in life that I finally responded to the calling of God to pastoral ministry. What changed? What was the difference? To be sure, part of it was within me. At age 21, I was not ready to listen. At age 35 I was. More importantly, however, my faith as a young man was based almost entirely on human models, which were clearly flawed. Only as an adult did I finally come to grasp that the calling and purpose of the Father in me was only possible through Jesus Christ. When I allowed him to dwell in my heart and to take root, I finally came to know the love and faith that surpasses all understanding.
I made it, Dad! Thank you, Father!
Prayer: According to the riches of your glory, Heavenly Father, grant me strength in my inner being through your Spirit, that Christ may always dwell in my heart through faith. Amen
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