The Perception of Single Fatherhood- Part 3

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” –Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV)

Our third portion of this series is on how we view ourselves and directed at one key point: God doesn’t make mistakes! Despite what even we may perceive ourselves as, this week’s small group is a perfect set up the final portion. As both single fathers and as God’s personal creation, it is imperative that we see ourselves as perfect and redeemed through the blood of Christ so we can live accordingly.

I asked the group several more questions for discussion:

1.     How do you see yourself as a single father?

2.     Why is the way we perceive ourselves so important? How does self-perception reflect our walk with Christ and us as dads?

3.     Since becoming a single father, how has God worked in your life?

Once again, the responses to these questions were all over the board, due to each of us at our own spot in life right now. I will say, however, that as the discussion went on and the guys began to realize just who they are in Christ, the atmosphere of the group began to change for the better and truth prevailed through the night.

Several more verses we touched on were:

Gen 1:26, Psalm 8:4, and Eph 2:10- all of which point back to God’s perfection and love for us.

I then read the final paragraph to the guys from my book:

I will leave you with this: know who you are in Jesus Christ; know that as a son of the living God, you carry a power and ability that is unmatched in this world. Know that God is constantly doing good work in you, that you can do all things through Him, and that He is with you always. As a father, you have the ability to bring your children to a level that they may or may not have ever achieved by themselves. You are an amazing creation, fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a disciple called to carry God’s Word and advance His Kingdom; you are a father- a calling worthy of God’s appointed. You have the ability to demolish strongholds over yourself and your children, and cement together the relationship with your sons and daughters on the Rock of Christ. Know these things; trust these things; believe these things.

We closed out the evening with one of my favorite songs currently, a song that depicts for all of us who we may have been before Jesus came into our lives and who we are now. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJWQzjfU3o