About a year ago now, my husband’s family received astonishing news. They had relatives in France. Without reviewing all of the details, as each chapter of this story has unfolded, we have seen the hand of God. There is a man in France, named Jean who is related to us – and by the grace of God, he found Michael’s dad. Now Michael’s dad has been able to help him learn more about their common relative. Until last year, Jean had very little knowledge of his own dad.
Because of modern technology they have been able to ichat once. And, Michael’s dad has been able to ichat regularly with Maud, our french cousin. Its all quite glorious helping them fit the pieces of their life’s puzzle together. Imagine! Never knowing your father. I have no idea what its like.
I’ve always known my dad. He’s been very present in my life from my birth, right up until now. I can tell you a lot about my dad. For instance I know he doesn’t like peanut butter in his dessert. No peanut butter cups for dad. I also know he is an avid St.Louis Cardinals fan. I’ve experienced Disney World three times with my dad: once when I was 6, when I was 18 and recently when I was 33. I’ve watched him play church softball, and I’ve prayed for Him in the moments just after his heart attack. He’s a man of integrity and he is a phenomenal husband, dad and pastor. This is just the tip of the iceberg…
I can’t fathom not knowing my dad. He’s the one who introduced me to my Heavenly Father. I became a believer at a young age and He has been a part of my life ever since. What would life be like without Him?
I’d like to tell you that I know Him really well… and sometimes I think I do. I know the accounts of His miracles from Scripture. I can list His attributes. But, often (far too often) I don’t actually take into account who He is in my daily life.
This is how I noticed it today. Our french relatives may come for a visit within the next year or so. Since I’m the one who is half canadian, who took french in elementary school, and high school and college, it stands to reason that I would brush up my skills and get back a bit of my vocabulary. But I’m procrastinating. I have borrowed a Rosetta Stone french curriculum from a friend – and it is sitting prettily in the corner of my bedroom closet. Why, you ask?
Because I’ve forgotten who my heavenly Father is.
I know He parted the Red Sea, and His Son fed the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. I absolutely believe in those miracles. But, I’m not confident that he can work a miracle that involves me remembering how to ask things like, “What time is it?” in french. Sometimes I think its easier to believe He can do earth shattering things rather than simple little things…
But He promises to help us accomplish the things He’s called us to do. Paul knew it was true in Philippians 4 when he confessed:
“I can do all things through Him ho gives me strength.”
In this case, I have to believe that by the power of the Holy Spirit, I will be able to revive all of that french that is shoved away in the far corners of my brain. And, by counting on who my Heavenly Father is and what He can do, I might be able to help Jean learn more about his Father.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for your promises that I find in your Word. Help me learn to rely on them more. Let your gift of faith swell in my heart, overriding my fears. And when a miracle occurs – when those french words roll off my tongue – I pray that You alone will be glorified! amen.
daily portion 