Living Like We Have a Heavenly Father

Living Like We Have a Heavenly Father

I’m reading Elisabeth Elliot’s book Joyful Surrender again, and she opens the book by talking about being at a cottage in Texas and taking in the wildlife as they live life around her. She talks about the freedom they have.

She quotes something her dad always said, “Said the Robin to the Sparrow, ‘I should really like to know why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so.’ Said the Sparrow to the Robin, ‘Friend, I think that it must be that they have no heavenly Father such as cares for you and me.’”

It's thought-provoking.

We move about with worry and strife in a world given to us by our Creator, and yet we still forget that He is for us.

Luke 12:22-31 says – “Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.’”

This scripture is such a good reminder that we should have no worry as Christ followers because we have faith in our Father, and we believe that He not only sent His Son to save us, but that He also supplies every one of our needs.

But life gets in the way. Our humanness takes over, and we lose sight of Him. Then it seems as though we have forgotten that we have a heavenly Father who cares for us.

You know the story in the Bible where the disciples are in the boat and suddenly they spot Jesus walking on the water. Peter says, "Lord, if it's really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water."

Jesus, of course, tells Peter to come.

Peter steps out of the boat, confident that it is Jesus. He begins walking toward Him, knowing Jesus is right there.

Then what happens?

The wind and the waves steal his focus, and he begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus, and Jesus immediately reaches out, grabs him, and they climb back into the boat together.

Then Jesus says to Peter, "You have so little faith."

We're not asking Jesus to call us out onto the water, and we're not literally being pushed around by wind and waves. Yet we still allow the things of this world to pull our focus away from the Lord.

We allow ourselves to lack faith.

We probably wouldn't say that's true because we feel like our faith is consistent. But what happens when life becomes difficult? What happens when things become uncertain?

We often begin acting as though we don't have a heavenly Father who cares for us.

But when we go back to Luke 12:22-31, we're reminded not to worry about everyday life. Instead, we're pointed to the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. They live without worry because they know, without a doubt, that they are provided for.

We concern ourselves with so many things, when really our greatest concern should be living a life that pleases God—following His leading and trusting that He is the provider of all things.

I think about Daniel in the lions' den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. They knew what they were facing, yet they remained faithful.

They knew that if they did nothing else but serve God and obey Him, they would be okay.

Friend, if all you do is faithfully serve the Lord, you've done enough, and because of that, you have no reason to fear.

This world is going to bombard us. Satan will do everything he can to distract us from the Lord's work, even if it's simply by filling our minds with anxiety and worry.

But God's Word tells us, "Do not fear," over and over again. That's a daily reminder that we do not have to live in fear because God is with us.

Luke 12:22-31 - It asks us, what can worry accomplish? Why do we have such little faith? Why are we so concerned with things that God has already promised to take care of?

It also tells us to, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else."

When we keep our eyes on Jesus and focus on seeking Him every day, the worries of this world will not—and cannot—stop us.

If you say you have faith in the Lord, then live it out.

Ask yourself this question - Am I actually living like I believe God is my Father?

Truly believe Him.

Don't let the wind and the waves take your eyes off Jesus.