josh whitehead

Confession: I never truly understood God as a Father. Before you jump to conclusions, I have an awesome Dad. He has always loved me, supported me and encouraged me throughout my life (shout out to my dad!). I read about the Father in Scripture and I have heard a lot of sermons preached on calling Him “Abba” or “Daddy.” But, I still did not get it – until four years ago.

That’s when I became a father. And before you jump to conclusions again, I know that I am nothing in comparison to God the Father. He is Perfect in every way – all-knowing, all-powerful, eternally patient and always present. Yet, being a Father has taught me so much about the Father. I love to think about this and honestly look forward to writing a book on the topic one day. Yesterday I had a “God, I get you more as Father” moment.

We went fishing with some friends and Hayden was so excited – it was his first trip! We got there, went out on the dock, baited the hook and threw it in the water. And we waited. It took 30-seconds for Hayden to ask, “When are we going to catch a fish?” I told him that fishing involved a lot of waiting, that sometimes you don’t catch anything, etc. But deep down inside I wanted him to catch a fish. Still, not even a bite.

We moved to another side of the dock and it happened – we caught a fish. He cheered for himself. I baited the hook as fast as I could and we through it in again. He caught another one. And another. And another. Eight in total and 3 of those by himself! I was absolutely thrilled to watch what was happening. I never minded once getting worm guts on me or the disgusting smell of slimy fish. I just baited the hook and took the fish off and cheered as he reeled another one in.

Then James 1:17 hit me like a load of bricks right there on the dock:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

I get it I’m getting it, God. I’m getting what your relationship is to me as my Father. You bait the hooks. You encourage me when the “fish” are not biting. You cheer me on when I’m reeling one in! Wow – you are amazing!

Sometimes things work out awesome, and sometimes I struggle deeply. And God is still there. I’m not sure where you are or what is happening in your life, but God the Father is there with you.