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HomeWord - Dec. 7, 2006


The Love of a Father 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  1 John 3:1     


There is a father-son combination that is like none I have ever heard of.  In 1962, Dick and Judy Hoyt gave birth to their son Rick.  When Rick was born, the umbilical cord was caught around his neck, cutting off air supply to his brain.  The Hoyts were told Rick would be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.  Luckily, the Hoyts disagreed.  In 1972, Rick was given a computer that would help him write out his thoughts, and three years later was admitted into public school.  A few years later, Rick told his dad that he wanted to participate in a 5k race for a local athlete who was paralyzed in an accident.  His father agreed to push his wheelchair in the race.  Since then, Rick and Dick – known as Team Hoyt – have competed in over 900 events, including 64 marathons and over 200 triathlons. 

 

So why does this father run, swim and ride with his disabled son through all these events?  Because the day they finished their first 5k, his son said through his computer, ``Dad, when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore.''  Dick wasn’t a runner, a swimmer or a biker before those words were said.  He was simply a father who loved his son unconditionally.  He was a father who wanted his son to feel like he could fly. The love of this father is amazing!

We too have a Father who loves us unconditionally and calls us His children.  All of us grow up with different situations with our earthly fathers.  Some people have fathers who coach Little League. Some have never met their fathers. Some fathers are workaholics, while others are alcoholics. Some people view their fathers as heroes; others view their fathers as villains.  But, our Father in heaven is perfect.  He loves us unconditionally, cares for us, knows what’s best for us and gives without asking for anything in return.  He walks alongside us every step of life’s journey, its joys and its trials, never leaving us alone.  Your Father in heaven withholds no good thing from you. And, just like Rick, all you need to do is ask.       

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GOING DEEPER:

1. Why is it hard at times to accept the love of God the Father?

2. Do you find comfort in knowing that you are a child of God?  How does that affect the way you live your life?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 13:1-6; John 15:13; 1 John 4:9-11


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