Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1: 17

It was a night I would not easily forget. Several years ago I sat in a room with a dozen men and listened to their stories about their fathers. One spoke of how his father locked the back door to their home and watched as the neighborhood bully pummeled his son.  Another spoke of sexual abuse and abandonment.  Two others spoke of the unbearable expectations from their father.

My experience could not have been more different. My Dad was loving and caring. He sacrificed for his family. He was always a wonderful example to me and my siblings. He set a high bar for each of us.

So, how do you respond to God as Father when your experience has been less than ideal? How do you convince them that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” from God the Father?

Jesus gave a positive example of an earthly father when he spoke to the crowds:

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11: 11-13

I don’t know the condition of your relationship with your father.  He may be deceased or distant, or He may be very much involved in your life today. But, whatever position you find yourself in today, you can be assured of God’s goodness. He has your best interests in mind.  He would never give you a scorpion or a serpent.  He will not harm you.