Because I grew up with a less than glorious father-son experience, and never really had an example of how valuable that relationship is, I’m making some awesome discoveries through the relationship I have with my kids. The importance of a good dad may seem really obvious, but to many like me it was never a reality. Now I have the opportunity to be that dad.
While experiencing first hand the difference I make in the lives of my children, my heart really goes out to all those moms who are trying to do it on their own. It’s amazing to me how much weight my voice and my expectations carry, and I can imagine how difficult it is when that voice is missing. An amazing balance is created when both mom and dad are doing their parts.
I made an important discovery in the last few days about my responsibility as the spiritual head of my home. When I left for a few days this week, it seems the enemy took advantage of my absence. I attribute it to the enemy because a similar thing happened during one of my previous ministry trips, and I don’t accept it as coincidence. My son Joshua suddenly became very ill; he ran a high temperature, was vomiting and had diarrhea.
What I failed to do, which will never happen again, is leaving without taking care of business at home spiritually. This time, I just kind of snuck off because I was more concerned about the kids’ being upset that daddy was leaving. In the future, I will make sure there is no room for a sudden attack; I will speak blessings over my family, I will bind the enemy, I will plead the blood of Jesus, and I will boldly declare protection over each person in our home.
I hate it that I have to learn at the expense of the ones I love, but I thank God for His mercy. The good thing is that when we learn from our mistakes, we can make sure the same thing doesn’t happen again.
