Good Morning!

I had a date with my middle daughter last night. We went to our favorite restaurant and had a great time. The conversation did take a turn that initially troubled me greatly yet ended up encouraging.

You see, my daughter feels that she is not able to live up to my expectations.

As you can imagine, I wished I could scoop up a little girl in my arms and assure her that I loved her to the moon and back. However, simple reassuance is not now sufficient to heal that wound. I would like to think it’s all a misunderstanding, but maybe there is truth to what she says. My guess is that there is a combination of elements involved. No matter, what is important is that this problem is addressed immediately and thoroughly. I simply cannot let my daughter continue to feel this way.

I’m going to spend time studying this. I’m positive I will find my answer in my bible and through good teachers who study it. The perfect role model is Jesus. The basis for this confidence lies in this passage:

John 5:19-21 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

Here’s the promise that I desire – that we may marvel at the work God is about to do.

My plan is to work through this here on these posts. My guess is that I’m not alone with a child that feels this way. Perhaps we all can benefit from this. As I have come to understand, the biggest part in finding a solution is making sure I know what the problem is. My guess is that this problem lies in this verse:

Matthew 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

You see, we all are in the same boat. As tough as this verse is, we know that the solution lies not in us doing the impossible or God lowering his expecations. The answer lies in what Jesus has done for us. Furthermore, it lies in what our Father has taught Jesus. One of those lessons is unconditional love. After all, Jesus died for us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8) which means we didn’t ask or even want him to help us. Furthermore, he did so knowing there would be no possible way for us to repay or return the favor. That’s unconditional love.

My job is to do as I see Jesus doing. Somehow, I must sacrifice of myself for her. What that looks like, I have yet to know. She may appreciate it; then, again, maybe she won’t. Even so, it is something I must do. The burden is now on me.

Father, this problem is beyond my ability. I need you to show me great works. Please grant me wisdom, strength, and encouragement as I do your bidding and marvel at your hand. How I look forward to praising your name in this victory to come! Amen!

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers