In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Modeling A Fisherman’s Faith
Matthew’s gospel would not have mentioned James and John’s father so often if he were not a significant influence. Consider how Zebedee’s vocation allowed him to model fatherly attributes — and how modern dads might follow his example.
A fisherman must be courageous. The
A fisherman must be decisive. Good timing is important in fishing and essential in life. Fathers are wise to model prayerfulness and thoughtful planning, but kids must also see us follow through and make a decision. One issue over which we should never hesitate is whether or not to obey God. If we are telling our children that the Lord is good and trustworthy, we ought to be backing up our words with decisive obedience.
A fisherman must be patient. No schedule exists for when fish will give themselves up to a hook or net. In our rushed, instant-everything world, we forget the importance of patience. But we cannot predict God’s schedule, either, and parents are wise to show their sons and daughters how to wait upon Him.
Godly children follow the example of a godly father. What are you modeling for your family?
Celebrate Fathers this month. Discover what our heavenly Father expects of dads and how He equips them to raise godly sons and daughters in Dr. Stanley’s series “How-To’s for Fathers.”
Breaking News: How to Handle Your Emotions is the latest elective now online at the Charles Stanley Institute of Christian Living! This expansive course focuses on Dr. Stanley's powerful 12-sermon series by the same name. In this course, students not only learn the basics of a healthy, biblical, and positive love for themselves, but they will also target some of the most potentially explosive emotions, including self-image, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, anger, depression, and rejection. Included in this for-pay elective course is a hand-signed copy of Dr. Stanley's book, Finding Peace, which brings further emphasis to the areas of regret, anxiety, and fear.