In the back of God Is Still Good, you’ll find this paragraph tucked into the acknowledgements:
“Thank you, Scott. Thank you for holding me and loving me through all the joys and sorrows of motherhood. This book is written for moms, but the truth is, as a husband and father, you’ve walked much of this hard road with me. Besides my Savior, I can’t imagine a more faithful or devoted companion than you.”
And it’s true. Even in motherhood trials, God has displayed his goodness, and my husband Scott has been a significant means of his grace. In hard times, Scott held my hand, his prayers supported me, his counsel guided me, and his words comforted me. I’m so grateful.
Scott has walked this road with me, and this Father’s Day weekend, I want to honor the men who seek to love and lead their families on their own hard roads:
Those who grieve because fatherhood looks different than they expected.
Fathers who pray faithfully for their families.
Men who work hard in tough economies to provide for pressing financial needs.
The ones who drive to appointments and pick up medications.
Dads who call to check in during the day.
Husbands who listen patiently and help their wives process their sorrows.
Those who humbly recognize their limitations and get help when needed.
Fatherhood can be hard for so many reasons, but God “‘gives grace to the humble'” (1 Peter 5:5). Whatever form a fatherhood challenge takes, here’s an exhortation and encouragement:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
No earthly dad serves his family perfectly, and maybe you’re aware of your own weakness or failure. Or maybe you’re a mom reading, and you’ve been let down by a man who hasn’t loved you or your children well. The good news is that we have a perfect heavenly Father who cares for his children. He cared so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to die for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3), and he is ready to walk with us on our hard roads.
Last month, Focus on the Family published my article, “Motherhood Sorrows and the Pastor’s Family.” In it, I got to share six ways my husband Scott has cared for me with gospel hope and comfort in difficult seasons. You can click here to read the article.
Katie Faris 