Our youngest daughter (Shawna) and son-in-law (Phil) became parents for the first time last week. Little Zane Asher Banning came into this world very early Monday morning, May 24, 2010. At that moment, everything changed.
Priorities changed.
Priorities changed.
Sleep patterns and amounts changed.
Diapers changed. (I couldn’t resist)
Family budget? Changed.
Future? Changed.
Perspective? Changed.
Those of you who are parents know that these are monumental changes in the life of a young couple who, to this point, have been living life with 'just the two of us.' I also remembered something in me that changed when our children were born.
I had a far greater understanding of the ‘Father Heart’ of God.
I understood the Scriptures that say …
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
Diapers changed. (I couldn’t resist)
Family budget? Changed.
Future? Changed.
Perspective? Changed.
Those of you who are parents know that these are monumental changes in the life of a young couple who, to this point, have been living life with 'just the two of us.' I also remembered something in me that changed when our children were born.
I had a far greater understanding of the ‘Father Heart’ of God.
I understood the Scriptures that say …
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
I called Phil last week and asked if he had felt the same impact from Zane’s birth that I had from Sheena and Shawna’s. He had. I know in the years to come there will be some tantrums, disobedience, family conflict, and even words spoken and actions taken that hurt and wound the heart. That’s part of being a parent. But nothing Zane will say or do can cause Phil or Shawna to stop loving him.
In fact, their love will cause them to press in, to pray, and to persevere for Zane. Their love will cause them to take whatever steps needed, no matter how drastic to protect, nourish and give Zane the best chance for a full, fruitful and God-honoring life…even if it means giving their own life.
God loves you even more than that. He proved it. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Nothing can separate us from His love.
In fact, their love will cause them to press in, to pray, and to persevere for Zane. Their love will cause them to take whatever steps needed, no matter how drastic to protect, nourish and give Zane the best chance for a full, fruitful and God-honoring life…even if it means giving their own life.
God loves you even more than that. He proved it. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Nothing can separate us from His love.
In the words of the modern hymn, In Christ Alone, “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand.”
That’s the power of a father’s love.
Enjoying the Journey,
Pastor David
No comments:
Post a Comment