2:127 – I’ve Failed As A Father

#faithbites #faithjourney failed

I have failed as a father many times, but I am not a failure. I have yelled at my kids, shown them anger, lied, been selfish, and wounded their spirits. There have been times when I don’t want to play and say I can’t because I just don’t want to. So many times that I have done things that I thought I wouldn’t because I wanted to be a perfect father, but I fall short of the perfection of God.

Even though I have failed many times, I am far from a failure. I was listening to Known Legacy – For Dads By Dads and realized many times I’ve spoken death into my children rather than life. I am very glad that forgiveness runs rampant in our house. That I speak life and the Word much more than evil.

One things I’ve learned from life and the podcast, is my kids asking to play, doesn’t just mean, let’s play. It’s let’s share our lives, let’s talk, let’s begin communicating now, so it’s less awkward later on.

Jesus, like our kids, forgive us, when we fail and truly repent.

Scripture

• For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. – Proverbs 24:16
• “Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “‘When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return? – Jeremiah 8:4
• I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. – Revelation 3:8

Reflection

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a pity party, but rather rejoicing in the forgiveness of God and my children. I hope that through admitting my failings, my children see what a true man is. Someone who is strong and willing to admit when he is wrong. Willing to humble himself before God and others. There is strength in that.

In the Proverb and Revelation verses, we see failure and lack of strength but in both cases, we see a rising up and a door open to salvation. The Jeremiah verse is particularly moving as it shows us that we all get turned around. We all make mistakes, but we can fix it. It isn’t too late to ask for forgiveness. It’s not too late to say “Yes honey, I want to play with you but I’m too tired right now”. Or honey, I am sorry I yelled.

We can be strong people and admit to our failures. It’s because of the forgiveness of Christ, that when we are knocked down, we get up again.

Charge

Have you wounded a loved one by speaking death and not life? If so, it’s never too late. Reach out to them. Admit to your faults. Be open to the conversations that start when you show that admitting your faults isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for my children and all of those who are impacted by my failings and my successes. Help us to realize that failing isn’t failure and that through your grace, we can be forgiven. Remind us that when we are open, we can have deeper conversations with those we love setting up for a lifetime of deep connections. In your name, Amen.