“‘Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9a NIV)
In my book, “Our Father: A Personal Journey of Discovery into the Lord’s Prayer,” I break down each petition of the Lord’s Prayer – one per chapter. In my upcoming blogs, I will take a look at each one, and share a little of my journey of discovering it in a personal way.
Fear has been a life-long issue for me, which was brought to a “head” in 2004/05 as I came to the realization that Brain Surgery would be a necessity.
In the time leading up to that realization, I was confident that God would intervene supernaturally and spare me from that ordeal. He didn’t, but He did answer my prayers for healing…just not physical healing.
I didn’t know it at the time, but God had a completely different miracle in store for me than a physical healing. A life-changing experience with Him that would profoundly impact my life from that time on.
I felt as though God was asking me the question…Where does your sense of identity come from?
Wait a minute…I was asking Him for physical healing…what does my sense of identity have to do with anything?
You see, I was asking for a miraculous healing in my physical body, but the healing I needed most was from the fear that I’d known all too well for years. The beginning of my healing process was spiritual healing in the area of knowing who I am in Him, and how much He loves me.
I read Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV), which says, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (See also Romans 8:14-17).
“Abba” is a term of intimacy between God and His children. He fully knows us, and He wants to have a relationship with each of us where we know Him closely as well. God desires that relationship with us enough that He sent His Son, Jesus, so that reconciliation between God and humanity would be possible because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Have you received adoption as God’s son or daughter by receiving Jesus Christ into your life?
Nowadays, I live in the revelation that I am God’s daughter – His child, and that His love for me is perfect (1 John 4:18). So, I have no reason to be afraid because I know that He will not allow anything to happen to me that isn’t for my ultimate best, even if I can’t see it yet.
In order for that principle to work as it should, I’ve had to accept that God knows which of life’s paths is best for me. When I am at risk of doing something that will not lead to God’s best for me, through His Spirit He shows me that I’m doing something wrong, or going the wrong way. But, I can take comfort in Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV), which says, “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Jesus is the perfect example of a Son. He lives in complete obedience to His Father. In Matthew 3:17 (NIV), we read God’s words to His Son, Jesus, after His Baptism…”And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” That affirmation from His Father enabled Jesus to endure all that He faced during His temptations in the wilderness, and during the three years of His earthly ministry – including his Crucifixion. His Father’s opinion of Him was more important to Him than anything. That’s how our heavenly Father wants us to live, instead of being tossed about and tormented by the opinions of other people.
My prayer is, “Dear heavenly Father, I want to become Your child today through Your Son, Jesus. I accept You and Your love. Please forgive me for the things I’ve done wrong. Thank You for loving me with a perfect love. May I never be afraid again because I am secure in You. I need Your help. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
