God and Men
Boys, young men, old men, fathers, brothers, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, or friends – we all have men in our lives. Who we are today has foundational clues to who the men around us were as we matured. Those of us who had fathers (or father figures) that were strong role models tell a different story than those who had troubled or absent fathers (or father figures). However, our Father, God the Creator, is our stability for both sides of this coin.
Our journey in life is built around how we handle both, the hills and valleys. In many ways (psychologically, emotionally, spiritually), we decide which way to go based on what we believe.
As a young Christian I thought, Lord, if You’d just change this person or those situations or that environment, just stop the madness, everything would be wonderful! Today, I know better: God only needed to create one time. Men are who they are, always needing to submit to our Father to distinguish their “wellbeing” and “purpose” for their lives. When God changes things, it’s a heart-to-heart operation that has the power to redirect external aspects.
I’ve heard a saying: The best of times, the worst of times, all at the same time, that bears witness to the numerous possibilities in life!
As an older Christian I know that these “times” of our lives are orchestrated by an ALL knowing, ALL loving and ALL capable Father – who has a covenant with His children. God knows the universe and our lives from the beginning to the end, He is the alpha and the omega. I know that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts – how can our thoughts be compared to the One who is the great I Am? I know that all who hear His voice and follow are never alone, and He will not leave nor forsake them.
If you find yourself wrestling with your relationship with God because of the men in your life, let’s go for a TKO! I’m going to say it doesn’t make a difference what kind of fathers we had or thought we should have had growing up – nor how the men in our lives have acted or not acted towards us. Our Father God has awareness of every circumstance and situation: the good, the bad, and the ugly. With God, we have the ability to control how we respond to the ebb and flow of “time,” over which we have no control. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP)
There are numerous steps along the path of healing from hurtful things in our lives. Just understand that forgiveness is intertwined throughout the process. Forgiveness is not about being passive in the face of injustice or abuse, or condoning the wrong actions of others. It requires great courage to let go of your own inner pain and focus on seeing the other as being in charge of their own actions, while not approving of their hurtful external behavior. Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself! It brings benefits like blessings, freedom, and better relationships. It is vital in starting us on the road to healing and living in the present.
Do you/can you perceive God without the influences of men? Is God the big guy in the sky who watches the world from a distance without any real involvement? Is He the One who wants to be involved in your life on a moment-by-moment basis? Is He loving? Does God have a stick to beat you with as soon as you mess up? Is He a protector, a provider? Is He your cheerleader? Is He the One who has no confidence in your decisions? Is He the one who gives you a future and a hope? Is He a God who loves you unconditionally (a love you can’t buy or earn or use up)?
Whatever your personal experience with God is, it’s never too late to get to know Him. He wants a relationship with you unhindered by a skewed comparison of Him with men. He longs for you to see Him in truth. Who wouldn’t want His kind of crazy unconditional love – a love from the One who is always on your side and always wants His best for you?
To Our Heavenly Father, Happy FATHER’S Day!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)
Gayle Smith M.Ed., Certified Christian Life Coach (BCCE & ICF certifications pending)
