Pastor Zedick mentioned a talk given to a group of inmates, ages 9-12, where 100% of them where members of a gang, have shot or owned a gun, where sexually active, and none of them had a father growing up. They had all been abandoned. I thought about this, and I wondered how many have turned away from Christianity because they felt abandoned by God.

God is referenced often as the “father.” A loving father is understanding, protective and nurturing towards their children. I’ve spoken to some that feel that a loving God could not allow the pain that they’ve had in their lives. They might feel that God has turned his back on them and either caused their pain as punishment, or allowed it to happen. I can understand how people can come to that conclusion. The misconception is that this life is our reward, and anything negative that happens cuts into our only chance at happiness. But this life is not the end.

I can’t look at someone’s pain and discern why it happened, but I do know this; God gives comfort to those that turn to him. We might never understand why our lives on earth are the way they are, but we can understand that God loves us, and is there for us when we desperately need his peace. We came to understand in our family that our father couldn’t protect us from everything, and often it was necessary for us to make our mistakes and deal with them in order to learn and grow. Yet our father was there to listen to us, or hug us when we needed it. Rather than interfering to stop a trial from taking place – he showed compassion with his presence after.

Part of being a good father is allowing your children to become adults. As a parent, I know that is going to be the most challenging act – to allow my children to make their own mistakes, to give them free will and hope that they succeed. Just as God has given us free will, to turn away, or choose to turn to him and accept his peace and blessing. Click here to listen to the recorded sermon.